Headlines

  • Astros Agree To Two-Year Deal With Jason Castro
  • Astros To Re-Sign Michael Brantley
  • Blue Jays Sign Kirby Yates
  • Twins To Sign J.A. Happ
  • Jays Refute Report Of Deal With Brantley
  • Blue Jays To Sign George Springer
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Reaction To The Gio Gonzalez Trade

By Mark Polishuk | December 22, 2011 at 8:38pm CDT

The Nationals were the winners of the Gio Gonzalez sweepstakes, acquiring the left-hander from the A's today for a package of four well-regarded prospects: A.J. Cole, Tom Milone, Derek Norris and Brad Peacock.  Here's a look at some of the reaction and analysis of this blockbuster trade…

  • The Nats didn't want to give up both Peacock and Milone but eventually acquiesced, reports Amanda Comak of the Washington Times.  Comak points out that the Nats have found themselves with a left-handed starter who is younger and less expensive than their first target this offseason, Mark Buehrle.
  • Washington's recent strong drafts gave the team enough prospect depth to make this deal possible, notes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.  The Nationals "improved their rotation to the point where they may be a contender," Heyman writes.  
  • "I don’t know how Oakland could have done better,” a scout tells Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.  “They got the right set of names….Quality and depth.”
  • A rival evaluator tells ESPN's Buster Olney (via Twitter) that Peacock reminds him of former Twins starter Brad Radke.  "I'm not sure that in two years, Peacock will [be] better than Gio," the evaluator said.
  • The A's have made two "brilliant hauls" in their trades of Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill, opines MLB.com's Tom Singer (Twitter link).  The A's received Jarrod Parker, Collin Cowgill and Ryan Cook from the Diamondbacks in exchange for Cahill and Craig Breslow two weeks ago.
  • ESPN's Keith Law (Insider subscription required) is not overly impressed with Gonzalez, believing his success to have been at least in part due to the pitcher-friendly Oakland ballpark and the Athletics' defense.  It seems as if Law considers the trade a win for the A's, calling their return haul "a substantial reward" and praising Cole as the new top prospect in Oakland's system. 
Share 1 Retweet 16 Send via email0

Gio Gonzalez Oakland Athletics Washington Nationals

Cubs Sign Manny Corpas
Main
Cubs Planning “Complete And Total Rebuild”
220 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. John McFadin

    9 years ago

    I somewhat agree with Law on this one.  Put him and his walks in another ballpark that isn’t as pitcher friendly, and I think he won’t be nearly as good as he was.  Only time will tell though, and I do like the stuff he has.

    Like
    Reply
    • MaineSox

      9 years ago

      The saving grace for Gio may be moving to the NL.  I think a move to another team in the AL would have been terrible for him, but moving to the Nats (who still have a somewhat pitcher friendly park, and play against less potent offenses) and the NL may help him keep up relatively solid numbers.

      Like
      Reply
      • John McFadin

        9 years ago

        I agree and would love to see him excel, but another ballpark won’t cut down on that walk rate.  Unless he can connect with the Nat’s pitching coach and make adjustments.

        Like
        Reply
        • MaineSox

          9 years ago

          No, you’re right, the walk rate would be an issue no matter where he went.

          Like
          Reply
        • PieroB

          9 years ago

          That has to be the hope in Washington for Rizzo. And his pitching coach is none other than ex Athletics ace Steve McCatty. And Davey Johnson will certainly be involved as well.

          Like
          Reply
          • John McFadin

            9 years ago

            I’m not familiar with him as a coach.  Is he a good pitching coach?

            Like
            Reply
            • WolandJR

              9 years ago

              Nondescript but not bad. He really got the most out of Jordan Zimmerman and has overseen a pitching staff that has seen their ERAs drop rapidly, but there has also be a significant influx of talent recently, so that might have something to do with it as well…

              Like
              Reply
      • Marky

        9 years ago

        Its really incredible to me how low MLBTR commentators rate Gio. He has excellent stuff and is hardly the first SP with nasty stuff who had control problems early on. Its just bizarre to me how lowly he’s rated by certain people just because of the walks, and the thought process that he will never ever improve his game. 

        Gio in Boston would NOT have been “a disaster” like so many predicted, his youth and experience can only lead me to believe that he spends all his time figuring how to improve. His last 2 months in Oakland he had a walk rate of about 3.2/9, he definitely calmed it down. I guess I’m more open minded about players who are under 30 than others. Players have “figured things out” at various times in their career many times, too many times to discount entirely like so many MLBTR posters refuse to take into account.

        Like
        Reply
        • John McFadin

          9 years ago

          That’s a pretty small sample size.  You really can’t judge whether or not he lowered his walk rate for good by two months.  I didn’t say he can’t get better.  What I’m saying is he will only get worse moving to a less pitcher friendly ballpark until he controls his walks better.

          Like
          Reply
          • Marky

            9 years ago

            Well it was pretty well reported early on in 2011 that he had problems with walks, and then he worked on it with the coaching staff, and then got results. Its very difficult pill for the overanalyzing statheads to swallow, but in Gio’s case, his career numbers aren’t really going to be a good indicator of his results going forward.

            My point is Randy Johnson’s walk rate at age 28 was 6.2, and then at 29 he figured it out and dropped it back to a decent number, he’s obviously an extreme case, but Gio has already shown after putting in effort to figure it out too, and long before he’s 28.

            Like
            Reply
            • John McFadin

              9 years ago

              No way can you compare Gio to the Big Unit.  Gio’s stuff (pitching-wise) is no where near what Randy Johnson had going for him.  And the over-analyzing stat-heads are right when they say SSS.

              Like
              Reply
              • Guest

                9 years ago

                don’t get so offended he isnt comparing them, just making a point.  And Gio’s stuff aint sliced meat either

                Like
                Reply
                • Lunchbox45

                  9 years ago

                  no its not, but its not randy johnson’s either

                  Like
                  Reply
            • MaineSox

              9 years ago

              2 months isn’t a sufficient sample size to dismiss 4 years + worth of sample no matter what qualifier you put with it.

              Like
              Reply
          • vtadave

            9 years ago

            I’m not comparing them as wholes, but look how Kershaw’s BB/9 rate dipped over the last couple years. He went from wild, to average control, to very, very good control in the span of a couple years. It can be done.

            Like
            Reply
            • Guest

              9 years ago

              Exactly.

              Like
              Reply
            • Lunchbox45

              9 years ago

              kershaw’s a lot younger. it makes more sense for a pitcher to show improvement from his 21 year old season, to his 22 year old season than going from 25 to 26 . 

              Like
              Reply
        • MaineSox

          9 years ago

          He could suddenly figure it out at 27yo, but expecting him to is a very dangerous proposition.  Predicting anything based off of a 2 month sample (in which is BB rate still wasn’t great) isn’t a smart thing to do either.

          It’s also not just because of the walks.  Sure they are part of it (maybe a big part of it), but the fact that his success coincided with his having ERAs half a run to a run lower than his peripheral stats, below average HR rates, and below average BABIPs (league average as well as his own career average) despite getting the same GB-LD-FB numbers as he always has, all pointed to regression before his move to a less pitcher friendly park.

          Like
          Reply
          • John McFadin

            9 years ago

            Very well said.

            Like
            Reply
          • 55saveslives

            9 years ago

            I hoped Jonathan Sanchez would figure it out, but he’s now 29…. 

            Like
            Reply
            • Marky

              9 years ago

              and Gio is 26 is 2012 and absolutely not even close to being a comp for Sanchez, despite the naysayers on here who refuse to take age into consideration when comping.

              Like
              Reply
              • John McFadin

                9 years ago

                Besides a tiny two months, he has done nothing to show he will gain control of his pitches.  That’s that.  You can’t argue with that.

                Like
                Reply
                • ejs1111

                  9 years ago

                  Looking at Fangraphs…  his walk rate has improved every year since his MLB callup in 2008.

                  2008  6.62 BB/9
                  2009  5.11 BB/9
                  2010  4.13 BB/9
                  2011  4.05 BB/9

                  He is ONLY 26…  why is it crazy to think his walk rate will continue to improve?  I fully expect him to continue to improve… 
                  … I can see his walk rate ‘settling’ around 3.5 BB/9 ultimately.

                  and mid 3’s is league average.

                  Like
                  Reply
  2. cody2818

    9 years ago

    i thought the a’s wanted outfielders… they got 3 pitchers and a catcher?

    Like
    Reply
    • Snoochies8

      9 years ago

      not only want, but need, i personally would’ve liked to have seen hood included over milone, i like hood’s ceiling.

      however, i think this haul is better than if they had included hood rather than milone. Milone’s already been tested in the majors, and hood has one really solid year in the minors at high-a

      Like
      Reply
      • John McFadin

        9 years ago

        I look at Milone’s stats and my mouth keeps watering.  As a Rangers fan, I can only hope he doesn’t pan out, haha.  Good haul A’s.  Glad to see them taking the steps to compete sometime in the years ahead.

        Like
        Reply
        • nats2012

          9 years ago

          He throws 87 MPH. The package would have been better with Hood over Milone. Milone 5th starter at best.

          Like
          Reply
          • Snoochies8

            9 years ago

            when you have his accuracy, the defense as good as the a’s, and a ballpark as big as the a’s, velocity ends up not being a big factor

            Like
            Reply
          • J.j. Miller

            9 years ago

            so what? and he has elite control, with 2 plus breaking pitches. put him in oakland’s pitcher friendly park and he’ll continue to do well

            Like
            Reply
            • Marky

              9 years ago

              Absolutely agreed, he is a control freak…who cares about his stuff, he just knows how to get outs. He could end up a front line pitcher for a few years. 

              Like
              Reply
            • nats2012

              9 years ago

              Ok I was writing Hood over Milone because thats what every A’s fan was saying they wanted outfielders.

              Like
              Reply
              • melonis_rex

                9 years ago

                In trades, take BPA. The A’s just traded a bunch of their pitchers. 

                Like
                Reply
          • John McFadin

            9 years ago

            You seem bitter about something.  You shouldn’t be.  The Nat’s are on the cusp of contending, with some of the best prospects (not just one but multiple) in baseball.  I would be happy to be a Nat’s fan coming into next season.

            Like
            Reply
            • nats2012

              9 years ago

              I am happy about the Nats but I think the As should have added an outfielder, Hood was perfect for them. That’s what a’s fans say they needed.

              Like
              Reply
              • Snoochies8

                9 years ago

                i agree, and i agree that a package with hood would’ve been better than the one we got with milone

                however, that would’ve been more of a risk, especially with hood only having one good year in the minors under his belt. with milone we got a (for the most part) proven pitcher that could be dealt later for a player like hood

                Like
                Reply
                • nats2012

                  9 years ago

                  Good point. You guys did well, I was just going by As fans on mlb. com and they wanted offense. For me I liked the package, we have Ramos so he kinda blocked Norris and we have pretty good pitching depth.

                  Like
                  Reply
              • Marky

                9 years ago

                I’m sure they will get plenty of OFers for Andrew Bailey, Brett Anderson and Ross/Braden/McCarthy etc.

                Like
                Reply
          • kräftig. entschieden

            9 years ago

            So does Mark Buehrle.

            Like
            Reply
          • MaineSox

            9 years ago

            Velocity isn’t everything; sometimes a guy with ++ command/control can be successful with below average velocity.

            Not in any way trying to say that Milone will be Cliff Lee, but Lee gets by on a 90mph fastball (average) with ++ command; Milone was only 2mph slower (87.8mph average in a very small SSS) this year, and also has very good command.

            Like
            Reply
            • Snoochies8

              9 years ago

              being nitpicky, i think you meant 87.8

              Like
              Reply
              • MaineSox

                9 years ago

                uh, yeah… He definitely wasn’t throwing 98mph…  thanks, fixed it.

                Like
                Reply
        • Alexander_Brovechkin

          9 years ago

          As a Nats fan, I can tell you that this was an absolute coup for the As.  Cole AND Peacock alone would’ve been worth it IMO but throw in Norris and Tommy and it’s just not even close.  I really hope Rizzo didn’t just pull a Minaya-esque trade here and Gio pans out.

          Like
          Reply
      • MaineSox

        9 years ago

        In all likelihood they don’t need anything specific at this point.  Once they get closer to contending they can trade some of their surplus of pitching for outfielders if they need to.

        Like
        Reply
        • Marky

          9 years ago

          Exactly. They could even sign McCarthy and Braden long term and trade one of these recently acquired guys for a young impact bat, like how the Rangers got Hamilton for Volquez.

          Like
          Reply
          • melonis_rex

            9 years ago

            Beane really should NOT sign McCarthy and Braden to long term deals. Injury prone pitchers are best dealt with year to year. McCarthy’s almost definitely trade bait at the deadline to a contender (when he’ll fetch more than if he were traded now). 

            Like
            Reply
            • Snoochies8

              9 years ago

              i dunno, i say trade McCarthy while he’s healthy, there’s absolutely no guarantee he’ll be healthy at the deadline. Now is probably the safest time to trade him

              Like
              Reply
              • melonis_rex

                9 years ago

                True. Very true. 

                In which case, at least wait until he’s the best option available (AKA Kuroda’s off the market)

                Like
                Reply
            • Guest

              9 years ago

              Just thinking outside the box here… I certainly agree that McCarthy could make nice trade bait this summer if he stays healthy. But a long-term deal (and by “long-term,” I mean around 3 years) might actually make sense if he was willing to sign for a low base salary, and incentives that will reward him very nicely if he can equal, outdo, or at least come close to his 2011 performance.

              Like
              Reply
      • Marky

        9 years ago

        Agreed, Milone slots right into the rotation, replacing Gio. Hood is whatever, he might be good he might flame out like so many. Cole & Peacock were rated higher anyway. Cant hate on it. 

        Like
        Reply
      • PieroB

        9 years ago

        Unlike guys like Lannan and Gonzalez Milone throws strikes. He doesn’t walk hitters. Soft-tosser doesn’t exceed 89mph FB. He is Mark Buehrle and maybe the better pitcher. That’s what Oakland got.
        Peacock should also slide right into the major league rotation along with your true ace Brandon McCarthy plus Moscoso. Milone replaces Gonzalez and Peacock replaces the less than effective Cahill. What’s not to like Oakland won on this deal.

        Like
        Reply
        • John McFadin

          9 years ago

          I hope by true ace you mean best pitcher on the team (which is still debatable with Brett Anderson, if he can stay healthy for once) and not an actual ace.  Brandon is far from that.

          Like
          Reply
        • Snoochies8

          9 years ago

          like i’ve said, hood has a higher ceiling than milone, but milone being mostly proven, has a higher floor than hood, so it’s kind of a wash between the two

          Like
          Reply
    • OaklandFan22

      9 years ago

      i thought so too

      Like
      Reply
    • Marky

      9 years ago

      you go with the best players offered, not what you need.

      Like
      Reply
      • Snoochies8

        9 years ago

        the thing is, milone’s floor is higher than hood’s, but hood’s ceiling is higher than milone

        Like
        Reply
        • Marky

          9 years ago

          So its nbd that they got Milone and not Hood.

          BTW totally expecting more trades from Beane. Bailey is already an elite reliever but add Outman, Ross or Moscoso to the mix, or heaven forbid, McCarthy, Beane can add even more prospects, and they might even be position players.

          Like
          Reply
          • Snoochies8

            9 years ago

            plus the a’s definitely need to get a good haul in this year’s draft, with five picks in the first two rounds

            Like
            Reply
  3. nats2012

    9 years ago

    I thought the A’s would go after some offense. So glad they didnt ask for Espinosa, Rendon, Ramos, Storen, Hood or Goodwin.

    Like
    Reply
    • Amos Posner

      9 years ago

      Rendon can’t be traded yet. Ramos wouldn’t be traded. Storen is over-valued because of save stats.

      Like
      Reply
    • PieroB

      9 years ago

      Dude, you can’t ask for Rendon or Goodwin. They were just drafted. Rizzo stated clearly that he wasn’t trading any major leaguer (negating Sept. callups) so Storen is out. They discussed Hood but being the smart man that he is Billy Bean asked for the best prospect pitchers and got them. Plus the top catcher in the system.

      Like
      Reply
      • FacelessGeneralManager

        9 years ago

        Everyone understands that players can’t be traded this soon after drafting. Been said so many times by now.

        Like
        Reply
  4. nats2012

    9 years ago

    Yeah and Law loves the trade for Reds getting Latos, but I guess San Diego isnt a pitcher’s ballpark.

    Like
    Reply
    • Phillies_Aces35

      9 years ago

      Latos pitches better on the road than Gio does.

      2011
      Gio Home:
      2.70 ERA
      1.20 WHIP

      Gio Away
      3.62 ERA
      1.42 WHIP

      Latos’s numbers are very similar home/away, his basic stats. I think the Advanced Stats show a greater separation between the home/road splits, which is Law’s beef.

      In Latos’s breakout year in 2010, his ERA at home was 2.59 and 3.14 on the road. He’s also 24. The numbers overall were pretty average this year: (3.24 ERA at home 3.62 ERA away).

      Like
      Reply
      • Tko11Tko11

        9 years ago

        Latos doesnt walk 90+ batters either

        Like
        Reply
        • Lefty

          9 years ago

          He might walk a lot, but he does get to 6 or 7 innings most of the time. That’s more than you can say about most of the Rotation for the O’s in 2011 

          Like
          Reply
      • nats2012

        9 years ago

        Latos has a 3.47 ERA, Gio 3.12.

        Like
        Reply
        • nats2012

          9 years ago

          And that division doesnt hit to well either. NL West.

          Like
          Reply
          • Phillies_Aces35

            9 years ago

            The AL West was pretty bad though last year. The only good team offensively was Texas.

            In the NL West last year you had Colorado and Arizona. It’s essentially a wash though.

            Like
            Reply
        • John McFadin

          9 years ago

          Matt Latos –

          FIP – 3.16
          xFIP – 3.52

          Gio Gonzalez –

          FIP – 3.64
          xFIP – 3.73

          Like
          Reply
          • Marky

            9 years ago

            Those are both very good though. 

            Like
            Reply
            • John McFadin

              9 years ago

              They are, but you can’t say Gio is better than Latos.  I know you didn’t say that but the person I was responding to did.  Not only is Latos younger, he’s been better than Gio with good control.

              Like
              Reply
              • Marky

                9 years ago

                Yeah no argument here, Latos is younger and has had more success. But both are so young their careers could go in any direction.

                Like
                Reply
          • FacelessGeneralManager

            9 years ago

            WTF is FIP? Who cares. How good did he actually do? ERA

            Like
            Reply
            • Phillies_Aces35

              9 years ago

              FIP shows what they’re more likely to do or at least its supposed to. I’m not big on it personally.

              What they’ve done though?

              Latos Career 3.37 ERA
              Gio Gonzalez 3.93 ERA Career

              His WHIP’s higher, their K/9 is almost identical, H/9 almost identical, etc. Gio’s BB/9 is worrisome.

              Like
              Reply
            • Lunchbox45

              9 years ago

              era has a lot to do with defense.

              ERA is the pitcher+ defense’s ability to keep runs from scoring

              Like
              Reply
              • MB923

                9 years ago

                I find it interesting that people who like FIP say that it shows how a pitcher does without defense.

                That is 100% untrue. Innings Pitch is a stat used in FIP. Defensive outs adds to innings pitched, so therefore defense is still factored in FIP. 

                Like
                Reply
        • Phillies_Aces35

          9 years ago

          2011
          Mat Latos WHIP 1.18
          Gio Gonzalez WHIP 1.32

          Mat Latos K/9 8.6
          Gio Gonzalez k/9 8.8

          Latos BB/9 2.9
          Gonzalez BB/9 4.1

          Latos H/9 7.8
          Gonzalez H/9 7.8

          Opponents Batting Average
          Latos .233
          Gonzalez .230

          … and like I said, Latos is 24.
          ______________________________
          Latos Career ERA 3.37
          Gio Career ERA 3.93

          Like
          Reply
    • John McFadin

      9 years ago

      Matt Latos is a better pitcher with good control and is also two years younger.  While it’s true he might not have the same stats as he did in Petco, there’s less worry.

      Like
      Reply
  5. rfffr

    9 years ago

    I would say Parker is better than Cole

    Like
    Reply
    • Snoochies8

      9 years ago

      sonny gray too, but still, all three have really high upsides

      Like
      Reply
  6. OaklandFan22

    9 years ago

    what do you guys think was a better haul A’s with Gio or padres with latos

    Like
    Reply
    • leachim2

      9 years ago

      Padres definitely.

      Like
      Reply
    • John McFadin

      9 years ago

      IMO, it’s hard to tell.  A’s got great pitching prospect, Padre’s great hitting prospects.  As of now though, we have seen a small sample of what Alonso can do, and I like him, so I’d have to go with the Padre’s.  Though that can change very easily.

      Like
      Reply
    • Snoochies8

      9 years ago

      for right now? the padres

      for the future? depends on  cole/peacock vs. alonso/grandal panning out

      Like
      Reply
    • Marky

      9 years ago

      I think I’ll wait to see who SD gets for Alonso before saying who got the best deal. Alonso has no future in SD.

      Like
      Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        9 years ago

        They’ll probably keep him and trade Rizzo

        Like
        Reply
  7. moondog45

    9 years ago

    I wouldn’t worry about anything Keith Law says. The guy is full of baloney. Subscription required for his stuff? I don’t think so.

    Like
    Reply
    • John McFadin

      9 years ago

      I actually consider Law to be one of the good journalists of advanced baseball analysis.  Not the top, but better than most definitely.

      Like
      Reply
    • Lefty

      9 years ago

      Subscription required for his stuff? More like Prescription for Extra Strength Ex Lax. Law is full of Crap or was =P!

      Like
      Reply
      • Jeff

        9 years ago

        Why the vitriol?

        Like
        Reply
    • Amos Posner

      9 years ago

      Mommy, look! I’m trolling, I’m trolling!

      Like
      Reply
    • Casor_Greener

      9 years ago

      but he’s usually right

      Like
      Reply
      • FacelessGeneralManager

        9 years ago

        Idk, I’ve read in several places that he once said Gio would be a #5 starter/reliever at best.

        Like
        Reply
        • vtadave

          9 years ago

          Link?

          Like
          Reply
          • FacelessGeneralManager

            9 years ago

            Sorry, I’m not going searching for that again. Take it for what it is.

            Like
            Reply
        • MaineSox

          9 years ago

          I read that someone said that Law said…

          And even if he did say that, no one get them all right.  And really, who wouldn’t have said that based on early Gio Gonzalez.

          Like
          Reply
          • FacelessGeneralManager

            9 years ago

            No need for the sarcasm. Im just saying what i read. And I’m saying that Law ISNT perfect, thank you for agreeing with me on..

            Like
            Reply
        • melonis_rex

          9 years ago

          Early Gio was that bad. He had MAJOR problems with walks in the minors and didn’t really put it together until 2010. 

          Like
          Reply
  8. Marky

    9 years ago

    I think Gio had made significant strides in improving his walk rate and looks primed for a big time breakout season in 2012, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he had a 5 WAR season next year. 

    That said, the fact that the A’s got 3 very strong SP prospects and a really interesting C prospect who all have high ceilings, along with 3 out of WSN’s top 10 prospects, as an A’s fan I’m reasonably happy with this deal. Prospects have a way of -not- panning out (see Meyer, Dan) so there’s always risk involved so its not a win for them right away. Milone looks like he will slot right into the rotation immediately, with the higher ceiling Gray, Cole & Peacock at Sacramento until the trade deadline when the A’s inevitably move any one of the current crop of McCarthy, Braden, Anderson, Ross, Outman or Moscoso. Can’t wait to see what Beane gets for Bailey, Fuentes & Balfour, hope Beane gets it done before the season starts. Oakland has a pretty decent farm now, don’t they?

    Like
    Reply
    • OaklandFan22

      9 years ago

      hopefully a solid thirdbase prospect we need some offensive prospects it all been pitching so far

      Like
      Reply
      • Encarnacion's Parrot

        9 years ago

        Oakland needs a better ballpark more than it needs offense.

        Like
        Reply
        • Guest

          9 years ago

          That might actually be an understatement.

          Like
          Reply
        • MB923

          9 years ago

          In late August me and my friends went to San Francisco for several nights. We had tix to a Giants game but also decided to go to an A’s game.

          If I had to compare AT&T to O.co

          O.co = Shea Stadium
          AT&T Park = Citi Field

          Like
          Reply
      • nats2012

        9 years ago

        You guys should try and get Middlebrooks for Bailey from the Red Sox.

        Like
        Reply
        • commenter3346

          9 years ago

          They aren’t going to get the Red Sox top prospect for a reliever.

          Like
          Reply
          • Marky

            9 years ago

            Bailey is a lights out borderline elite closer, not just a reliever. 

            But if Beane gets Middlebrooks then he really did a spectacular job this offseason in rebuilding.

            Like
            Reply
            • OaklandFan22

              9 years ago

              that would be awesome if we got middlebrooks

              Like
              Reply
              • Bryce

                9 years ago

                Cards have 2 promising 3rd basemen. First rounder Cox was considered the best college bat in 2010 draft. They also have M. Carpenter who has averaged a .400 obp at every level. With the Beltran signing Jay may be available. Not much power but he has hit around .300 with an obp of @.350 plus he is cost controlled being several years away from arb. 

                Like
                Reply
              • melonis_rex

                9 years ago

                Dotel got McDonald and Lambo. Anything is possible when it comes to relievers. 

                Like
                Reply
            • Guest

              9 years ago

              It’s a shame the A’s don’t have better backup catchers right now. If they could afford to part with Suzuki, I bet the Red Sox would give up Middlebrooks, Reddick, and then some for a Suzuki/Bailey package.

              Even coming off a down year, you’d have to think they’re still pretty high on him, considering how much interest they’ve always had in him.

              Like
              Reply
              • Marky

                9 years ago

                I think Donaldson could play everyday if they let him and would be about a 2 WAR catcher.

                Like
                Reply
                • Guest

                  9 years ago

                  Donaldson’s bat has some potential. But I don’t think they’d trust him enough behind the plate to handle such a young pitching staff the way Suzuki can.

                  And aren’t they still considering trying to convert him into a 3B? He played there quite a bit in Sacramento last year, and I recently read that he’s been playing some 3B in the Dominican Winter League, and has looked pretty solid.

                  Like
                  Reply
                  • melonis_rex

                    9 years ago

                    Between Donaldson and Landon Powell, Suzuki should be definite trade bait. 

                    It’s his down 2011 why he isn’t being traded. Once he puts together a strong stretch, I’m willing to bet he’s traded. 

                    Like
                    Reply
                    • Guest

                      9 years ago

                      Nah. The only way I can see them trading Kurt within the next 18 months is if they were offered a trade package that’s too good to be true. I think he’s too valuable to them right now, given how many rookie pitchers will be joining the A’s over the next couple years. And I don’t think Powell, Recker or Donaldson would be able to handle them half as well as Kurt can. I truly believe he’s one of the best catchers in the entire league when it comes to helping young pitchers mature. And I’m pretty sure the A’s are of the same opinion.

                      Like
                      Reply
        • OaklandFan22

          9 years ago

          i would love that haha i say we do balfour and bailey for middlebrooks that would strengthen the sox’s pen

          Like
          Reply
  9. Matthew Young

    9 years ago

    Keith Law is an idiot, the A’s defense was terrible last year. Gio will do well in Washington.

    Like
    Reply
  10. nats2012

    9 years ago

    Still you have to give the Nats credit for drafting, 41st round, 10th round, and two 4th round picks for Gio.

    Like
    Reply
    • John McFadin

      9 years ago

      Very good point.  Nat’s seem to have an excellent (could be the best) front office for drafting.

      Like
      Reply
      • start_wearing_purplestart_wearing_purple

        9 years ago

        Yeah. I think Rizzo overpaid for Gonzalez but I think he had the luxury of doing so because he’s been active in the draft and not just because he got a pair of first picks.

        Gonzalez will be a great addition to that rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them contending for the wild card this year. Maybe even a serious contender for the WS within a few years.

        Like
        Reply
        • Snoochies8

          9 years ago

          yeah, meyer, solis, and ray now take over as the national’s top prospects, definitely not a hit their minor league system

          Like
          Reply
          • nats2012

            9 years ago

            And Purke.

            Like
            Reply
            • FacelessGeneralManager

              9 years ago

              i just can’t get over losing Cole. Really hurts. 19 years old!!!! give him four years to improve and holy crap!!

              Hopefully he actually plays in oakland for a while when he gets there.

              Like
              Reply
        • PieroB

          9 years ago

          Be harder this year with the draft cap. The Nats went way over slot to get what they wanted in the last two drafts. Its why the rules were changed according to many in the know. Still think they just may pay the luxury tax associated with over drawing the cap amount. Their payroll is currently low enough.

          Like
          Reply
      • leachim2

        9 years ago

        Rays have a better drafting corps. But the Nats are pretty darn good.

        Like
        Reply
        • nats2012

          9 years ago

          Rays too, good point.

          Like
          Reply
      • Marky

        9 years ago

        That’s not really a legit point, Cole was a holdout for money and Peacock wasn’t expected to sign.

        Like
        Reply
        • John McFadin

          9 years ago

          The fact remains they were still signed and drafted where they are.  The Nationals office did a great job of taking the risk and getting it done.  Don’t really see what you’re trying to say.

          Like
          Reply
          • Marky

            9 years ago

            I’m saying that Cole wanted a ton of cash and that scared off every team and he fell off the board when he actually was a 1st round talent. Any team could have had him but the Nats paid him. He’s not some draft  “find” that the Nats deserve credit for, he wanted too much money and the Nats were the only team willing to pony up. He’s not a 4th round talent, he’s always been a high round talent that if he didnt sign, would have been 1st round the next season.

            Like
            Reply
        • FacelessGeneralManager

          9 years ago

          Ummm, but they signed right?

          Like
          Reply
          • Phillies_Aces35

            9 years ago

            I get his point though. I don’t completely agree with it but… I remember at the time everybody had Cole as a consensus 1st round type pick.

            He wasn’t a diamond in the rough guy who had an injury history that fell, it was essentially all about the money. He wasn’t somebody everybody completely missed, it just came down to nobody wanted to pay him but the Nationals.

            Yes, they did sign, but it wasn’t because of the Nationals superior scouting, it was because of their checkbook. I’m curious to see how this organization responds to the new slotting rules.

            Like
            Reply
            • FacelessGeneralManager

              9 years ago

              By only signing two or three prospects every year. That way we can still pay more for a couple guys like always.

              Just kidding, i know the new rules.

              Like
              Reply
            • Marky

              9 years ago

              Yep, that’s exactly what I meant. Saying “Oh the Nats traded all these late rounders” isn’t quite accurate because these guys are not late round talent.

              Like
              Reply
  11. Blink

    9 years ago

    If the A’s prospects reach their potential, a rotation of Parker, Peacock, and Cole will be a force!!

    Like
    Reply
    • Snoochies8

      9 years ago

      don’t forget gray!

      Like
      Reply
      • Guest

        9 years ago

        Ynoa and Krol, too! Both are still just 20 years old, and oozing potential. And Ynoa isn’t as injury-prone as most people seem to think. Aside from his Tommy John surgery, I think the only other long period of time that he was on the shelf had something to do with serious complications following his wisdom teeth extractions (which had nothing to do with his throwing arm).

        Like
        Reply
    • melonis_rex

      9 years ago

      Parker/Peacock/Cole/Milone/Gray

      And, of course at the MLB level, you got Anderson, McCarthy, and Braden (who, if healthy, are still a decent 1-2-3). 

      Like
      Reply
      • Snoochies8

        9 years ago

        next year’s AAA rotation is gonna be sick! 

        Like
        Reply
  12. kräftig. entschieden

    9 years ago

    It’s not as if Nationals Park is a bandbox. It really plays pretty fairly, probably slanted a little towards pitchers (based off my own perception, haven’t looked at park effects recently). The switch from the AL to the NL may give him a boost as well. And he doesn’t need to pitch like an ace for this trade to be worth it; four years of control for a good 2/3 guy entering his prime is certainly worth a lot. It still seems like they gave up a lot, not only in talent but also in roster flexibility and depth; since Detwiler is out of options, it appears that he’ll be moving somewhere in some way soon, either by trade or by being scooped up on waivers. Who, then, is going to take over if/when someone on the staff gets injured? It’s no small fact that 3/5 of the rotation has had major surgery relatively recently (Wang on shoulder, Stras/Zimmnn Tommy John) and pitcher attrition is always a factor. It’ll be interesting how Rizzo plans to plug some of these SP depth issues.

    Like
    Reply
    • PieroB

      9 years ago

      Lannan most likely moves. Worse than any pitcher in Oakland’s starting rotation last year. Probably why Johnson likes Detwiler and he, unlike Lannan, is a power pitcher who can work in relief … depth: Tom Gorzelanny and Craig Stammen plus CM Wang. Stammen could be returned to the minors as he has options remaining but its a hunch he ends up in the major league pen. 

      Emergency call-up depth in Syracuse is a problem. Eric Arneson who had a good year in AA and Yunesky Maya who had a really horrible year and is now 30. Then there’s Danny Rosenbaum, a crafty soft-tossing lefty, not unlike Milone but more like Lannan in that he walks batters who finished in AA Harrisburg last year. A journeyman named Steve Buschmann. Not as deep as they were last year. Not even close.

      Like
      Reply
    • MaineSox

      9 years ago

      Overall it was slightly pitcher friendly in 2011, but it gave up slightly more HRs than average.

      Like
      Reply
  13. Guest

    9 years ago

    These professional talent scouts, and journalists who cover baseball for a living are all morons. And I’M right. Billy Beane blew it! Blew it, I say!!!

    Signed,

    Nicholas

    Like
    Reply
    • leachim2

      9 years ago

      Why listen to profesionals when you can listen to some random guy named Nicholas. I mean seriously who cares what they say.

      Like
      Reply
      • PileOfSandwich

        9 years ago

        Even though I disagree with him the “professionals” have just about the same correct/wrong ratio as every single person on this site.

        Like
        Reply
        • leachim2

          9 years ago

          It’s a joke son.

          Like
          Reply
          • PileOfSandwich

            9 years ago

            Yea i re-read it after I posted that and realized I am a tard.

            Like
            Reply
  14. Suh Girls One Cup

    9 years ago

    Another lefty strikeout pitcher to frustrate the swing-happy, mostly-lefty Braves lineup.

    Great… :/

    Like
    Reply
  15. J.j. Miller

    9 years ago

    ask nats fans 24 hours ago

    they were hesitant to even give up one of those pitching prospects, now ended up all 3

    Like
    Reply
    • nats2012

      9 years ago

      Thats not true, read the earlier post when we were trying to get him, we just didnt want to give up Espinosa, Storen, Desmond, Rendon, or Goodwin.

      Like
      Reply
      • Jeff

        9 years ago

        Not sure why Espinosa and Desmond are so loved by all Nats fans. I don’t get it.

        Like
        Reply
        • elbeisbol

          9 years ago

          Desmond isn’t loved by all Nats fans. 

          Danny is. He had a rough second half, but when he was hot he was playing like a ROY. 

          Like
          Reply
      • elbeisbol

        9 years ago

        Plenty of us didn’t want to lose Cole, but you have to give to get. 

        Like
        Reply
  16. Snoochies8

    9 years ago

    With this influx of high level prospects, and this year’s 5 picks in the first two rounds, a’s are gonna have such a stacked minor league system, maybe not a top 5, but still stacked

    Like
    Reply
    • OaklandFan22

      9 years ago

      ya im really excited it’ll be interesting to see how these guys pan out

      Like
      Reply
  17. Guest

    9 years ago

    I didn’t want to trade both Peacock AND Cole…just one or the other. If we could’ve replaced one with, say, Hood then I would be all in on this deal. That said, its a mute point. I look forward to seeing Gio!

    Like
    Reply
    • Jeff

      9 years ago

      Moot. Just saying

      Like
      Reply
  18. lairdd

    9 years ago

    now its time for the a’s package their #6 and #7 starters like outman, ross. plus the depth they have a 1b and utility infielders like kila, carter cardenas and sogard trade them for better prospects for more depth at infield corners. these guys won’t work for the a’s since they have braden, anderson, parker, millone, peacock, moscoso, godfrey, and mccarthey all looking for spots. and with barton coming back and brandon allen, plus penny and weeks are a lock for the mid infield they might as well get a nice young 3b prospect if they pack these some of these guys together.

    Like
    Reply
    • Guest

      9 years ago

      Woah there. Before we go replacing nearly everyone in the entire system, let’s see how some things play out in spring training first. Anderson will be out until at least late-July, and it’s possible he won’t even pitch 2012. You never know with Tommy John surgery. Plus Dallas Braden isn’t a lock for Opening Day. They may need every last one of those #6 and 7 types that you’re referring to. Especially since McCarthy, Outman and Ross are all three injury-prone, and we have no idea which rookies will be ready for sure.

      As far as position players go, I’m with you on trying to trade Ka’aihue, though I doubt they’d get much more than cash considerations. But shouldn’t we see what Carter can do with an extended audition before we write him off at age 25? And let Cardenas play a full season at 2B or SS in Sacramento, to hopefully improve his stock? And keep Sogard around in case Rosales has another bad year?

      I like your enthusiasm. But lets not get carried away here.

      Like
      Reply
  19. Kevin Marino

    9 years ago

    This is great news for my Braves. Another highly sought after pitcher that is gone now. The trade market is getting thinner by the day so the Braves should get what they want for Jurrjens now since Starting pitching is always high in demand. As much as I would love to keep Jurrjens on the Braves but if they can get a great deal for him for the future they should do it especially with his history of knee problems.

    Like
    Reply
    • Guest

      9 years ago

      Yeah. This should definitely help the Braves a bit. Between what San Diego got for Latos and what the A’s got for Gio, teams are gonna fully understand (if they didn’t already) that good starting pitchers aren’t gonna come cheap via the trade market. I’m sure we’ll start hearing a lot more Jurrjens rumors/speculation over the next several days, and probably see a deal get done within a week now.

      Like
      Reply
  20. Richard Janvrin

    9 years ago

    If you take the top 10 ball parks as far as runs allowed goes, Gio played at 4 of them this past season, (TEX, BOS, TOR, NYY) he didn’t do so hot.  He had a 4.25 ERA, averaged 5 innings an outing, walked almost 4 batters a game, surrendered almost two HR’s a game and averaged 4.75 SO/Game.  All in all, he doesn’t do so hot in hitter’s ballparks, I agree with Keith Law.

    Like
    Reply
    • Marky

      9 years ago

      small sample size/unpolished product

      Like
      Reply
  21. Guest

    9 years ago

    Has anyone put any thought into which two players the A’s will DFA to make room for Milone, Peacock and Norris?

    My guess is it’s some combination of Pedro Figueroa, Sean Doolittle, Josh Donaldson, Anthony Recker.

    Like
    Reply
    • Marky

      9 years ago

      Its just Powell, not 2 players. They had one space open already.

      Like
      Reply
      • Guest

        9 years ago

        Not true. Check the roster. It had 40 men on it before the Gio trade, and now they’ve added Peacock, Milone an Norris to it, and have only subtracted Gio and Powell.

        One more has to go. And if you won’t take my word for it, check Susan Slusser’s Twitter account.

        Like
        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Astros Agree To Two-Year Deal With Jason Castro

    Astros To Re-Sign Michael Brantley

    Blue Jays Sign Kirby Yates

    Twins To Sign J.A. Happ

    Jays Refute Report Of Deal With Brantley

    Blue Jays To Sign George Springer

    Angels To Sign Jose Quintana

    Don Sutton Passes Away

    White Sox Sign Liam Hendriks

    Mets Fire GM Jared Porter

    Recent

    Reds Among Teams Interested In Andrelton Simmons

    Latest On J.T. Realmuto’s Market

    Astros Agree To Two-Year Deal With Jason Castro

    Talking Collective Bargaining With Labor Lawyer Eugene Freedman

    Astros To Re-Sign Michael Brantley

    Minor MLB Transactions: 1/20/2021

    Latest On Trevor Bauer

    Matt Dermody To Join Seibu Lions

    Blue Jays Sign Kirby Yates

    FA Notes: Dodgers, Marwin, Mets, Tigers, BoSox, Anibal, Teheran

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Trevor Bauer Rumors
    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • J.T. Realmuto Rumors
    • Marcell Ozuna Rumors
    • Masahiro Tanaka Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version