Rumors: Asking Price For Gio Gonzalez Too High?
By Joseph Lopez
Rumors have been swirling around A’s young lefty Gio Gonzalez recently, but the A’s asking price for their prized southpaw might be a tad too high for most teams. As reported by Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the Marlins, a team that has shown interest in Gonzalez, may have been scared off by Oakland’s asking price.
According to the report, the A’s were seeking a package deal that would’ve included either Logan Morrison or Mike Stanton. The Marlins, while interested in Gonzalez, are apparently not ready to part ways with Morrison or Stanton.
The A’s are seeking to make Gonzalez their next version of Dan Haren, who was traded by Oakland in a 2007 deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In that Haren deal, Oakland received a boatload of talented prospects including Brett Anderson, Chris Carter, Carlos Gonzalez, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland, and Aaron Cunningham.
Oakland feels Gonzalez is an ace, and therefore, will ask for an ace-like package in return for Gonzalez. It definitely makes sense for Oakland, as they’re not going to just hand over their best young talent for free.
It makes sense Oakland would ask for a package deal including either Morrison or Stanton, seeing as how both players would definitely help out Oakland’s anemic offense.
The 24-year old Morrison hit .247/.330/.468 with 23 HR and 72 RBIs in 123 games with the Marlins this year. Meanwhile, Stanton, 22, hit .262/.356/.537 with 34 HR and 87 RBIs this year. Both outfielders would definitely help upgrade an offense that figures to lose its most talented hitter in Josh Willingham.
What do you think? Should the A’s continue to entertain offers for a guy like Gonzalez? If so, what should be their asking price? Sound off below!