The issue of Gio Gonzalez during the 2011 offseason has been a key disconnect between A's fans and the organization. Fans of course would love to see the defending A's all star return to build apon his fantastic 2011 campaign. But Beane and Co. Are shopping Gio around major league baseball in order to see if they can recieve an offer to strengthen their farm system for the supposed move to San Jose following the 2014 season. But Gio is not the only player who is recieving this treatment. Forst, the assistant GM, has come out and said "Every player but Jemile" is avalible. We've seen this act out first hand with extensive talks about Andrew Bailey and a trade that occured on December 9th that sent Trevor Cahill, 2010 all star, and Criag Breslow to Arizona for Jarrod Parker, Collin Cowgill, and Ryan Cook. The trade seemed to demonstrate Oakland's worst fears, a San Jose move looks almost certain. And even following the trade Forst came out and explained that their offseason philosophy remained unchanged. Everyone's still on the market. But will Gio get dealt? The A's seem to be asking for a very high price for the "Hialeah Hammer", however multiple teams including the Marlins, Yankees, Tigers, Nationals, Rangers, Indians, Blue Jays, Royals and even others have lined up to have a shot at the 4th year stud. What impact would a Gio trade have on Oakland?
Gio is coming off his most impressive year with a 3.12 ERA and a career high 16 wins, including winning 7 out of his last 8 starts to end 2011. And he'd surely be the #1 starter with Cahill gone. Besides being a fan favorite, he has improved every season and gives A's fans something to look forward to. Will the Coliseum lose "Fist Pump Fridays" or the echos of Chris Brown's "Beautiful People"? Only time will tell. But if he does go, A's fans nationwide will share in the overwhelming frustration.
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