The Athletics aren't done
If you think the Oakland Athletics’ trade of right-hander Trevor Cahill reduces their chances of moving lefty Gio Gonzalez, think again.
The Angels’ $331.5 million investment in free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols and left-hander C.J. Wilson on Thursday only reinforced the Athletics’ vastly inferior status in the AL West.
So, the A’s again are turning back the clock, dangling pitchers such as Cahill, Gonzalez and closer Andrew Bailey for younger, less expensive players — not that Cahill, Gonzalez and Bailey are terribly expensive themselves.
The Cahill deal was Phase One. The interest in Gonzalez and Bailey continues to be intense, major-league sources say. Once Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish goes off the board, Gonzalez should be in even higher demand.
The Rangers, Blue Jays, Nationals and Marlins are among the teams targeting Gonzalez, sources said. The Red Sox and Rays are among the clubs after Bailey. Certain teams, including the Rangers and Reds, like both.
The Athletics’ plan is to acquire as much young talent as possible in preparation for either a move to a new ballpark in San Jose or additional years of low-revenue purgatory in Oakland.
A move to San Jose does not seem close to approval.
-- Ken Rosenthal
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Ken, I think you have it backward... Beane stated the A's would only start a rebuilding and dumping their current prize pieces for minor leaguers and young guys if San Jose looked like it was going to get approval. If they're dumping Bailey, Gio, and Cahill then that would seem to indicate San Jose IS happening soon.
