Nats acquire Gio

[snipezo]

The Athletics will send Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals for A.J. Cole, Derek Norris, Brad Peacock and Tom Milone, ESPN.com's Keith Law reports (on Twitter).

Gonzalez is under team control through 2015 and has reached the 200-inning plateau in each of the past two seasons without posting an ERA above 3.23. He'll join Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann atop an impressive-looking Nationals' rotation that also figures to include John Lannan and Chien-Ming Wang.

However, no MLB pitcher has walked more opponents than Gonzalez in the past two seasons and he's about to get expensive through arbitration (projected 2012 salary of $4.2MM). While most teams --the Nationals included -- can stomach a $4.2MM salary for an established, young left-handed starter, the A's haven't resolved their stadium situation and operate under a more limited payroll.

The Red Sox, Rangers, Marlins, Yankees, Blue Jays, Tigers and Mariners were also linked to Gonzalez this offseason. Oakland's rotation will look considerably different in 2012 without Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill, two of the 40 MLB pitchers to throw 200 innings this past season.

Jesus that's a lot for Gio.

 

[bosoxlover12]

yeah, Boston was offering a similar caliber of prospects.... for Gio AND Bailey

Boston will likely get a deal done for Bailey in a couple days, unless the Rays decide to go all in

 

[snipezo]

Billy Beane's gettin all kinds of talent for Gio and Cahill lol.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Its a lot, but thats what you have to give up for a pitcher under team control for 4 more years.

 

[NV]

Billy Beane's gettin all kinds of talent for Gio and Cahill lol.

Billy Beane is a boss.

 

[Lake Louise]

I knew they were asking for a lot for Gio, and should help out that young rotation.

 

[Mexi]

yeah Oakland did great with the Cahill and Gio trades