Headlines

  • Braves Claim Ha-Seong Kim From Rays
  • Mariners Promote Harry Ford, Release Donovan Solano
  • Phillies Sign Walker Buehler To Minors Contract
  • Red Sox Extend Aroldis Chapman
  • Administrative Leave For Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz Extended “Until Further Notice”
  • Cubs To Sign Carlos Santana
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • 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
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2026-27 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Rizzo On Gonzalez, Pitching, Center Field, Bench

By Mike Axisa | December 23, 2011 at 7:42pm CDT

The Nationals and Athletics made the Gio Gonzalez trade official today, with Derek Norris, Tom Milone, Brad Peacock, and A.J. Cole going to Oakland as expected. Washington also received Robert Gilliam in the swap. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo discussed the trade and other topics with reporters during a conference call this evening, so let's recap…

  • The two sides started discussing Gonzalez "probably over a month ago," and they first exchanged names just before the winter meetings. Rizzo said he met with the Athletics several times in Dallas, and they increased their efforts to acquire Gio after losing out on Mark Buehrle.
  • "Being left-handed was really a key for us," said the GM, noting that Gonzalez can slot between power righties Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg in the rotation. "[The trade] gives us a young core of starting pitchers at the major league level."
  • "To acquire a player like this you need to give up some painful players in return," said Rizzo. "[It took] four players that are near and dear to our heart … They'll be sorely missed."
  • When asked about Gonzalez's walk rate – career 4.44 BB/9 and an AL worst 4.05 BB/9 in 2011 – Rizzo said "we see his walks trending in the right direction, we see him having general command, and as he progresses into his career, he's going to improve on his command each and every year." Gio has improved his walk rate every year of his big league career, and the team believes the "changing of leagues will positively affect [his] performance."
  • Rizzo said they like Gonzalez's "moxie and attitude on the mound," and noted that they've clocked his fastball as high as 95 mph using the PitchFX system.
  • "We feel we have great depth in the starting rotation," said the GM, noting that Tom Gorzelanny and Craig Stammen can start with Sammy Solis and Alex Meyer representing the next wave of pitching prospects. "We feel that we're still very deep in starting pitchers. We like the talent level of our pitching staff, and it's going to be great competition to see who comes out of [Spring Training] as the starting five."
  • Rizzo confirmed that Solis has not yet visited Dr. Yocum about his sore elbow due to strep throat. Once that clears up, he will have his elbow checked out.
  • "We're always looking to improve our ball club," added Rizzo, who said they will "certainly be aggressive" if the opportunity to acquire a long-term center fielder via trade or free agency presents itself.
  • When asked if Adam LaRoche will be the Nationals first baseman in 2012, Rizzo replied flatly: "That is correct." The Nationals have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Prince Fielder this offseason.
  • "We'd like to improve our bench. We'd like to improve our depth in the minor leagues to help us if need be at the Major League level," said Rizzo when asked what else he'd like to accomplish this offseason.
Share 0 Retweet 9 Send via email0

Washington Nationals Gio Gonzalez

Athletics Designate Landon Powell For Assignment
Main
Athletics Designate Jai Miller For Assignment
View Comments (44)
Post a Comment

44 Comments

  1. ironnat

    14 years ago

    “[The trade] gives us a young core of starting pitchers at the major league level.”  That’s the key.  They gave up a lot of “potential” talent and I am sure a couple of those guys are going to have stellar careers, however I believe DC fans were getting a little impatient on the rebuilding process and wanted something more than just baby steps.  I still think there is another big shoe to drop.

    Reply
    • start_wearing_purple

      14 years ago

      Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them suddenly up the bidding for Fielder. Gio Gonzalez gives them a potentially solid arm in the front of the rotation. They may have overpaid but the Nats are better off. All else being equal I would be surprised if the Nats don’t go down to the wire for a playoff spot.

      Does anyone know if the second wild card is being added in this season or next season when the Astros move to the AL.

      Reply
      • nats2012

        14 years ago

        Yeah but if you get Fielder, Michael Morse has to play the outfield for the rest of his career, we just need a centerfielder so by 2013 you can have an infield with Ramos C., Morse 1B, Rendon 2B, Espinosa SS, Zimmerman 3B, Harper and Werth in the corner spots.

        Reply
        • brett m.

          14 years ago

          Exactly. I still would like WAS to go after Parra. However, there should be quite a few good CF next year in FA

          Reply
          • nats2012

            14 years ago

            I like Parra too and your right next year has good centerfield free agents. And again, Michael Taylor is gonna be a stud.

            Reply
            • brett m.

              14 years ago

              I think Goodwin is probably the CF of the future if Rizzo has his way

              Reply
              • nats2012

                14 years ago

                I heard if we didnt sign Goodwin he would have been a top 5 pick next year.

                Reply
                • brett m.

                  14 years ago

                  I really think it is a testament to the scouting and development staff that despite the package we gave up, we still have an above average farm system 

                  Reply
  2. User 4245925809

    14 years ago

    LaRoche’s approach at the plate have to wonder how long he will be able to even go with it when he does get himself fully healthy…

    that flat footed style, bat held so low.. It is an awful awkward like stance and he has to do a lot of movement for a guy heading to early-mid 30’s to generate power, plus it’s not like he is/was a glove guy standing out there at 1B.

    He really is going to need to change that style pretty soon have a feeling, his arms always were his power and it took a LOT of movement with them before to generate the power.. Just don’t see him keeping it up much longer without using his legs more and changing his stance considerably.

    Reply
    • hallwagner

      14 years ago

      adam laroche is one of the best fielding 1st basemen in the mlb

      Reply
      • nats2012

        14 years ago

        Thank you.

        Reply
      • User 4245925809

        14 years ago

        Wouldn’t go that far there now.. Might have been a bit far when said he was not a glove guy, cause it’s his bat people want him for..

        Then lets not go put him into the category of tex, Kotchman, Gonzalez, Youkillis and a few others could name at 1B.

        Reply
        • hallwagner

          14 years ago

          i would

          Reply
        • Guest 5605

          14 years ago

          He’s actually pretty close…a lot closer than people give him credit for.

          In fact, he is a lot better than people give him credit for.

          Reply
        • Guest 5605

          14 years ago

          He’s actually pretty close…a lot closer than people give him credit for.

          In fact, he is a lot better than people give him credit for.

          Reply
  3. Josh Gedert

    14 years ago

    Geez, Rizzo makes it sound like the Nationals former prospects died or something..

    Reply
  4. Phil Aldrich

    14 years ago

    improve their depth in the minors?! so they trade 4 guys for a pitcher who is just like Dice-K?? interesting!

    Reply
    • grownice

      14 years ago

      What? DiceK? Odd comparison.

      Reply
    • Fifty_Five

      14 years ago

      Obviously if you trade your top prospects, you’re going to want to fill that void a little bit. Don’t see why you think thats so interesting. And Dice K? really?

      Reply
      • Phil Aldrich

        14 years ago

        bc he traded his depth for what?! someone proven to be great??? NO!! haha thats why its interesting

        Reply
      • Phil Aldrich

        14 years ago

        compare their stats bro. im a baseball sports writer. im not a complete fool haha

        Reply
        • nats2012

          14 years ago

          Dont say your a baseball writer and than write this. Please dont.

          Reply
          • Thomas Cassidy

            14 years ago

            Why not? He didn’t say he was a good one.

            Reply
            • nats2012

              14 years ago

              Good point.

              Reply
    • brett m.

      14 years ago

      Gio has dominated for 2 years and has won 15 games each year on a below .500 team. He is a very good young pitcher. 

      Reply
      • Thomas Cassidy

        14 years ago

        Very good trade for the Nats. But “dominated?” That’s tough. He dominates at home, in a terrible offensive division, in a huge park. Against teams with real offenses (Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers) he gets killed. A very good pitcher, but not as good as the number suggest. At least he’s a work horse.

        Reply
        • nats2012

          14 years ago

          Its not that bad of a division because he doesnt get to face the A’s, Texas and the Angels arent that bad.

          Reply
          • Thomas Cassidy

            14 years ago

            Texas was great, but the Mariners and Angels were terrible last year. If you have Vernon Wells batting in the middle of your lineup, that’s a problem. I think he’s a very good pitcher, but not an ace.

            Reply
            • nats2012

              14 years ago

              I always liked Gio, he was one of my favorite players so I am probably not the right person to ask.

              Reply
              • Guest 5604

                14 years ago

                He is a likeable guy ( I was actually listening to an interview with him on MLB Network radio and right when they hung up they announced they just heard about the trade, that was my happiest grocery store shopping of my life).

                Reply
  5. Phil Aldrich

    14 years ago

    not at all…compare their stats per game…walks and era and k’s…go ahead check it out

    Reply
  6. brett m.

    14 years ago

    If I’m Rizzo; I may try to make a trade for a guy like Parra from Arizona. He could help solve the CF problem. 

    Reply
    • Phillies_Aces35

      14 years ago

      Isn’t Jayson Werth going to be the center fielder long term once Harper is promoted?

      Reply
      • brett m.

        14 years ago

        I  think a few things are in the air. Long term, they dont want Werth in Center

        Reply
      • Guest 5603

        14 years ago

        Not long term…not sure the exact plan to be honest, he could go there as a stop gate.  That wouldn’t be smart to put a guy in his mid 30s in center for the long run haha

        Reply
    • User 4245925809

      14 years ago

      Why not just sign Crisp??

      Reply
  7. nats2012

    14 years ago

    Yeah I agree we need a centerfielder, and Laroche isnt why we shouldnt get Fielder, Michael Morse is the reason, in the long run he is gonna be the first baseman with Ramos, Rendon, Espinosa, Zimmerman, with Harper and Werth in left and right, so we just need a Cfer.

    Reply
    • Thomas Cassidy

      14 years ago

      What about Harper in CF? With that speed and arm, it wouldn’t surprise me.

      Reply
      • nats2012

        14 years ago

        I also like Michael Taylor or Brian Goodwin in the future. But I think Harper can handle it too.

        Reply
        • Thomas Cassidy

          14 years ago

          He looks like he’s gonna be one hell of a player. He even needed contacts this past season. How scary is that for other teams? He didn’t even know he couldn’t see.

          Reply
          • nats2012

            14 years ago

            He is a beast.

            Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Braves Claim Ha-Seong Kim From Rays

    Mariners Promote Harry Ford, Release Donovan Solano

    Phillies Sign Walker Buehler To Minors Contract

    Red Sox Extend Aroldis Chapman

    Administrative Leave For Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz Extended “Until Further Notice”

    Cubs To Sign Carlos Santana

    Red Sox Release Walker Buehler

    Pirates Place Isiah Kiner-Falefa On Outright Waivers

    Randy Rodriguez Recommended To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Padres Place Xander Bogaerts On IL With Foot Fracture

    Cardinals To Promote Jimmy Crooks

    Red Sox To Promote Payton Tolle

    Corey Seager To Undergo Appendectomy, Not Ruled Out For Season

    Frankie Montas To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Guardians Release Carlos Santana

    Brewers Place Trevor Megill On IL Due To Flexor Strain, Sign Erick Fedde

    Guardians Place Carlos Santana On Outright Waivers

    Astros Reinstate Yordan Alvarez From Injured List

    Nathan Eovaldi Likely Out For Season Due To Rotator Cuff Strain

    Mets To Promote Jonah Tong

    Recent

    Braves Claim Ha-Seong Kim From Rays

    Poll: Will Anyone Get To 60 Home Runs This Year?

    Cubs Designate Ben Cowles For Assignment

    Giants Select JT Brubaker

    Angels Select Scott Kingery, Mitch Farris, Option Christian Moore

    Marlins Place Edward Cabrera On IL With Right Elbow Sprain

    Athletics Select Scott McGough

    Mariners Promote Harry Ford, Release Donovan Solano

    Blue Jays Select Dillon Tate

    Dodgers Sign Andrew Heaney

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Every MLB Trade In July
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2026-27 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 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
    • Guardians 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

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter 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

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version