The latest updates out of the AL West:
- The Rangers are searching for a utility infielder that can play shortstop, but competition is fierce at the Winter Meetings, writes MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Sullivan says at least ten teams are looking for a player that fits that description.
- An AL West source told Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston (Twitter link) that he expects the Athletics to move Gio Gonzalez.
- Both the Angels and Rangers have plans to meet with C.J. Wilson's agent Bob Garber at the Winter Meetings. The southpaw is said to have received a six-year offer from a team that is not the Rangers.
I would love for the Angels to make a move for Gio
Okay, Macier for Napoli? Lol
Seems like the utility infielder position who can play shortstop…uh, Michael Young?
With Mike starting at DH, you would still need someone on the bench who could play short…
I think they are meaning more of a bench utility type guy, similar to Andres Blanco. With Michael’s ability to hit (plus his contract and closeness to Wash), he definitely won’t be our bench guy, as I’m sure you know.
Don’t they still have Andres Blanco?
Darwin Barney?
Meh. Barney hit well enough this year not to deserve a demotion to a utility guy.
Remember when the A’s were the trendy pick to win the West last year? How things change. But they should get a hefty return for Gonzalez. Makes sense to offer him up
The A’s had a good team and were in 1st place in the middle of May, for what its worth. But no team can expect to win when 3/5 of its rotation and its closer get hurt and then have unexpected downturns in production from Barton, DeJesus, Fuentes, Pennington & Suzuki. Even Willingham had a massive drop in walk rate and massive rise in K rate, but people refuse to care about anything if “OMG DINGERZZ!!!”. The A’s did have a talented team out there, they could have taken the div had everything fell their way…oh, and if Beltre signed with them instead of Texas, and Texas not trading a throwaway reliever for a 950 OPS slugger…if those 2 things dont happen, things get a little closer haha
That being said, I think if they keep Gio and he really hits stride as one of the best SPs in the AL, his value will actually be higher next year opposed to now, I mean the A’s are comparing him to Haren but he’s younger and is about to have his breakout year (2012) at the same age Haren did. He has 4 years left, but I think he might actually get more value by having a massive 2012 and then “only” having 3 years of team control left. I think if the A’s don’t get Montero or 2-3 top 50 prospects or one legit young star like Lawrie or Bruce for Gio, they keep him until at least the trade deadline or even next offseason.
Hudson was traded in the final year of his contract.
Mulder was traded with two years remaining.
Haren was traded with three years remaining.
Now Gio’s possibly going to be traded with four years remaining?
What’s the point of even drafting pitchers any more?
To trade them for prospects that they will develop and trade away.
Have you seen Oakland’s outfield? It currently looks like: Brandon Moss-Ryan Sweeney-Michael Taylor. That’s why you trade a budding young star pitcher for a budding young star postion player.
Hey, if they can trade Gio for a guy who’s actually experience success in the majors, I’m all for it.
But if it’s for prospects, no thanks. Not yet, at least…
Angels should be burning up the phone lines trying to move Callaspo or Izturis. Both are valuable pieces that can play anywhere in the infield and contribute.
Got to land a 3rd baseman before that happens.
hanley 4 gio
You know, this isn’t an entirely horrible idea. It would need some balancing out, but it could be done.