A’s Trevor Cahill & Gio Gonzalez Next To Be Locked Up?

For most of this season, the Oakland Athletics have seen strong performances out of their young pitchers, and while the A’s have Brett Anderson locked up for four years—possibly six with options—they still have work to do with their other young players.  Guys like Trevor Cahill, who has thrust himself into CY Young conversations with his performance this season, has molded himself as one of top young arms in the league. Aside from Cahill’s growth and maturation, A’s south-paw Gio Gonzalez has been solid all season long as well.

This season Cahill and Gonzalez have a combined win total of 29. Earlier in the season, I had predicted that Anderson and Cahill would combine to win 25 or more games in 2010, but Anderson’s trips to the DL this season put a hamper on that prediction. The A’s, however, must be happy about a rotation that includes Anderson, Cahill and Gonzalez—all players capable of winning 15+ games a piece. Oh, and let’s not forget the veteran of the staff, Dallas Braden. At 27, Braden (9-11, 3.47) has been a key part of the A’s starting rotation this season. Braden, who is eligible for arbitration following this season, threw the MLB’s 19th perfect game on May 9, 2010 (Mother’s Day). It’s expected that Braden will make more than the $420K he’s collecting this season.

This season has been all about the pitching staff, and by the looks of it, these young arms should be with the team for a very long time. Like Anderson, Cahill and Gonzalez have shown enough growth and maturity to receive long-term deals as well. A’s GM Billy Beane is a smart guy, so let’s hope he doesn’t wait around too long before getting these guys signed.

Below is a quick look at each of the A’s current starters this season: