The Tigers are trying to "make a strong push" to acquire Athletics lefty Gio Gonzalez, tweets Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. However, the Tigers aren't sure whether they'll be able to make an offer as strong as a potential Yankees proposal, Slusser says (Twitter link).
It was reported today, by Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record, that the Athletics asked the Yankees for Jesus Montero plus either Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos in exchange for Gonzalez (Twitter link). With the Yankees highly unlikely to part with such a significant haul, the two teams may not be a match, since the Yanks don't have the high-upside young outfielders the Athletics covet.
vonhayesdays
who do the tigers have to trade for Gio , gonna cost alot
RationalSportsFan
How about something like Turner, Oliver or Smyly, and Brantly? This is a worse offer than Montero + Betances or Banuelos, but if the Yanks aren’t willing to offer that, and the A’s are motivated to move, the above offer MIGHT get it done.
wrestlingcritic
The offers arent gonna be that high as time passes because he walks a TON. I wouldnt put Turned in a deal but just about anybody else (except Castellanos) should be in play
Leib Kozlov
Turner and Oliver plus others in a heartbeat.
funkytime
Unless you’re making a deal for a Longoria or a Cabrera or a Kershaw I don’t think you ever trade Jacob Turner “in a heartbeat”.
inleylandwetrust
DO WANT!!
WonderboyRooney10
Wow thats a bit surprising. Turner and Castellanos?
Lee Abshire
neither player will ever be included in a trade
WonderboyRooney10
Right both of them are untouchable. In the same league of Harper and Strasburg
Lee Abshire
i didnt say they are quite that strong but for tigers ownership it is there equivelent
WonderboyRooney10
Prospects are sometimes grossly overvalued.
mistermonkey
Totally. See Andrew Miller. But Turner looks like the real deal — I’d rather have him than Gio.
Civilization
The vast majority of them are. Reading these comments on MLBTR are sometimes just a joy. It’s amazing how many prospects fans assume are untouchable and or the next big thing since sliced bread.
I don’t fool myself into thinking if DD or Illitch finds something on the market they covet, they won’t go all in to get it.
Rangersfan32 2
The Tigers FO and fan base needs to understand that nobody is untouchable when it comes front of the rotation guys. Especially ones that are young, cheap and under team control for a few more years like Gio. Otherwise I doubt the Tigers will get this done.
Marky
No, they are definitely not in the same league of Harper and Strasburg and if they don’t want to give them up for Gio, then its move along, Detroit.
funkytime
Then it’s move along Detroit.
Castellanos is literally the ONLY elite position player prospect they’ve had in the past 4 years. They won’t deal him for a pitcher.
I don’t see Turner going anywhere either. If we were talking about an elite position player I could see them being dealt. But pitching just isn’t that big of a need for the Tigers.
On the other hand I could see ANY other combination of prospects being dealt in a deal for Gio, as well as Austin Jackson, Rick Porcello, or Max Scherzer. Fans that overvalue their own prospects are no more ridiculous than fans that think a deal cannot be done unless a team trades away its very best prospects.
If this was a few months ago and the article was about the Tigers being interested in Doug Fister, I bet half of the responses would be saying Turner or Castellanos would have to be involved as well.
Thomas Cassidy
Austin Jackson, Rick Porcello, Al Alberquerqe, and another good hitting prospect? Sounds about right.
cards2WS
No Jackson.
cards2WS
No Jackson.
John Czech
Jesus, wanna just toss Boesch in there too? They are trying to trade for Geo Gonzalez not Roy Halladay.
RationalSportsFan
They are also more likely to want minor leaguers (like Turner) than a bunch of major leaguers. The Tigers also are more likely to want to GIVE UP minor leaguers as opposed to the major leaguers mentioned.
John Czech
I know, I am not stupid like Thomas Cassidy. Turner will be as good as gone, maybe even Andy Oliver, to go along with a hitter.
RationalSportsFan
Yea, I meant to reply to him, not you. Sorry for the confusion.
RationalSportsFan
Yea, I meant to reply to him, not you. Sorry for the confusion.
funkytime
“The Tigers also are more likely to want to GIVE UP minor leaguers as opposed to the major leaguers mentioned.”
Not true.
They could view Jackson as expendable if they get Cespedes. Al Al may be a flash in the pan, no one knows. Porcello and Scherzer had somewhat of down years. I could see a combination of them being dealt along with other prospects. (in particular I’m guessing Oakland would want their top catching prospect)
Turner and Castellanos, on the other hand, seem untouchable to the organization. They were unwilling to trade them for Ubaldo Jimenez, and I’m guessing they’ll be unwilling to trade them for Gio as well.
wrestlingcritic
But when Cespedes becomes available is dtill anybodys guess
RationalSportsFan
They are also more likely to want minor leaguers (like Turner) than a bunch of major leaguers. The Tigers also are more likely to want to GIVE UP minor leaguers as opposed to the major leaguers mentioned.
John Czech
Jesus, wanna just toss Boesch in there too? They are trying to trade for Geo Gonzalez not Roy Halladay.
Marky
Unless the hitting prospect is Castellanos, that’s a terrible package. I’d rather Oakland just keep him.
funkytime
This is the type of package I could see the Tigers going for. They’re not going to trade Turner and Castellanos. That’d wreck their whole farm system.
They’d only do that if it involved getting another franchise player (ala Miguel Cabrera).
wrestlingcritic
You grossly overevalue Gio Gonzalez
Dulaine Harris
Al Al is going nowhere!! Boesch either!
renegadeisback
Gio Gonzalez in the AL East? Good luck with that Yankees.
Encarnacion's Parrot
Gio out of the Coliseum will require a lot of luck.
Encarnacion's Parrot
Gio out of the Coliseum will require a lot of luck.
Shawnthemon
AL Central*
Edit: Read the rest of the article, nvm lol
Shawnthemon
AL Central*
Edit: Read the rest of the article, nvm lol
Khabibulan
Why are the A’s so eager to deal Gio? I’ve seen him linked to quite a few rumors.
WonderboyRooney10
They blew things up and it didnt work so they are blowing it up again
muskyfish
The A’s are eager to deal Gio because they know they are toast this year. The pitching wasn’t able to sustain their horrible offense even before Brett got hurt and Trevor forgot where he left his nuts. By the second half of the upcoming year Cahill, Anderson, Ross, and Gray could be forming a new young nucleus for the future, but without offense it won’t mean a thing, and the A’s stink at developing bats.
I think you have to get Turner and Castellanos. But would they be willing to set Turner aside in order to gut the remaining hitters in the Detroit system? Do Boesch/Delmon fit in somehow?
Corey
and they want to get good young players who will peak when they get a new stadium opened in 5 years or so… by then, gio will require a new contract.
They don’t plan to spend like the marlins when their stadium gets done, they want to have an inexpensive young, all around good team. so dealing a pitcher so they have some offense ready is the plan…. its a gamble for sure but what isn’t when it comes to the a’s
Corey
and they want to get good young players who will peak when they get a new stadium opened in 5 years or so… by then, gio will require a new contract.
They don’t plan to spend like the marlins when their stadium gets done, they want to have an inexpensive young, all around good team. so dealing a pitcher so they have some offense ready is the plan…. its a gamble for sure but what isn’t when it comes to the a’s
mistermonkey
There’s no way the Tigers will trade both Turner and Castellanos to get a #2 starter. When they gave up Maybin and Miller (their top 2 prospects), they got Miguel Cabrera, a franchise player.
Rangersfan32 2
And there’s no way the A’s give up a young, cheap front of the rotation guy for second tier prospects. Tigers would have to give up one of those two guys at least to get talks going.
Chris
How about the Tigers buy them a few pop machines instead?
TheGrtBambino
Gio is only a #2 starter on a select few teams and the tigers are one of those teams. He is at least a #1.5 guy and would be the ace of many clubs out there. just because the tigers have the god of pitchers in verlander does not make Gio a #2 guy in general but just the #2 on this team
mistermonkey
I don’t agree with that. He’d be the #3 or #4 on at least 5 teams (Phillies, Tampa Bay, Red Sox, Angels, Giants), and a #2 on the vast majority of others (maybe 6 or 7 teams would use him as the ace). He’s a very good pitcher, no doubt, but his home/away stats are pretty dramatic. But all I’m saying is that Dombrowski won’t be trading his two top prospects for a guy like Gio. Maybe one of them. But the Tigers aren’t as desparate as a lot of other teams so are probably just kicking the tires.
muskyfish
The A’s are eager to deal Gio because they know they are toast this year. The pitching wasn’t able to sustain their horrible offense even before Brett got hurt and Trevor forgot where he left his nuts. By the second half of the upcoming year Cahill, Anderson, Ross, and Gray could be forming a new young nucleus for the future, but without offense it won’t mean a thing, and the A’s stink at developing bats.
I think you have to get Turner and Castellanos. But would they be willing to set Turner aside in order to gut the remaining hitters in the Detroit system? Do Boesch/Delmon fit in somehow?
not_brooks
They aren’t eager to trade him.
That’s why they’re asking for the moon in return.
M
They’re not eager. Just willing.
User 4245925809
If the NYY are interested and Hank & Hal push Cash along.. Forget about it Tigers fans…
Cashman and even the Steinbrenner’s know the NYY rotation 1-3 is not even close to up to snuff compared to the Rays and Red Sox, not to mention the Rays can go 6 deep..
This might be where the NYY make their play for a starter and don’t think the Tigers can get close to what the Yanks can prospect wise at the upper levels pitching wise which beane always covets.
Motor_City_Bombshell
Jacob Turner says hello.
User 4245925809
understand the Tigers could offer up Turner (who actually saw back in 2010 pitch a couple of games here in Lakeland for the FSL Tigers)it’s just that think objectively and Turner has barely thrown at all for Toledo and the NYY can offer Montero (C/DH granted) on top of either Betances or Baneulos.
We have seen sooo many rumors shot down already these winter meetings.. It does make some sense.
Me?I think Turner has more upside than a future DH in montero but who knows with Billy beane.
The tigers might be asked to include more than Turner and the question is.. Where is the limit?
Marky
I’d say Billy lets Gio go for Turner and Castellanos, 2-for-1. Hopefully he can squeeze a little more but as an A’s fan, thats a good haul for 4 years of a young stud SP.
User 4245925809
Turner is a stiff price in itself. Don’t be surprised if beane tries to ask for Jackson as well to begin with and both teams expand the deal towards the end.
Marky
I’d say Billy lets Gio go for Turner and Castellanos, 2-for-1. Hopefully he can squeeze a little more but as an A’s fan, thats a good haul for 4 years of a young stud SP.
Motor_City_Bombshell
Jacob Turner says hello.
Douglas Rau
What’s so wonderful about the Red Sox 1-3? They’ve obviously let Boston down the past 2 seasons. Who even ARE their 1-3 any more? Lester, who pitched to a 5.40 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in September, Beckett, the Fried Chicken Man and who?
User 4245925809
Another Yankee fan who obviously fails to look at anything except with rose colored glasses towards the yankees?
Look a little deeper, or take those shades off for a bit….
Douglas Rau
What’s so wonderful about the Red Sox 1-3? They’ve obviously let Boston down the past 2 seasons. Who even ARE their 1-3 any more? Lester, who pitched to a 5.40 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in September, Beckett, the Fried Chicken Man and who?
User 4245925809
If the NYY are interested and Hank & Hal push Cash along.. Forget about it Tigers fans…
Cashman and even the Steinbrenner’s know the NYY rotation 1-3 is not even close to up to snuff compared to the Rays and Red Sox, not to mention the Rays can go 6 deep..
This might be where the NYY make their play for a starter and don’t think the Tigers can get close to what the Yanks can prospect wise at the upper levels pitching wise which beane always covets.
baycommuter
A’s fan here. Gio’s got a wonderful curve and a plus fastball. Either Gio’s going to improve his control, in which case he has the stuff to be a No. 1 or high No. 2 starter for a contender, or he isn’t, and he’ll be constantly at 105 pitches in the sixth inning wearing out your bullpen. I think at this point the A’s don’t know which.
baycommuter
A’s fan here. Gio’s got a wonderful curve and a plus fastball. Either Gio’s going to improve his control, in which case he has the stuff to be a No. 1 or high No. 2 starter for a contender, or he isn’t, and he’ll be constantly at 105 pitches in the sixth inning wearing out your bullpen. I think at this point the A’s don’t know which.
Garrett Gottschalk
Good bye Boesch have fun ruining your career in
Oakland….Makes sense right? Since the Tigers have been deemed the front runner for Cespedes
Sideline Scholars
I, unfortunately, think you’re right. I’m a huge Boesch believer (and apologist) and would rather see Dirks make his way out, but I think it will require Boesch. But who knows just how low Billy Beane is willing to go either. He may take Dirks if we throw in another prospect like Strieby, just for example.
Marky
Strieby was outrighted off the 40 man, wow that low, huh?
inleylandwetrust
Strieby is garbage and Dirks is a 4th oufielder. C’mon man, they don’t want our junk.
Sideline Scholars
Strieby was only an example and my way of referring to a player that is not a top prospect. Besides, Beane has taken less for more, Hudson trade anyone?
verlander
I, for one, would snap up a Strieby/Dirks for Gonzalez deal.
Then again, I’m a Tigers fan, not an As fan.
inleylandwetrust
Strieby is garbage and Dirks is a 4th oufielder. C’mon man, they don’t want our junk.
CaliforniaJag
Boesch makes no sense in this trade. Beane wants minor leaguers that can lead a rebuilding effort and not start getting expensive until the prospective new ballpark opens, not guys nearing arbitration already.
Sideline Scholars
Boesch would absolutely make sense. He will bring in another package from a team that is looking for a corner OF with some power. If Atlanta was willing to at least think about parting ways with Prado for Young, a Boesch package could be even greater.
verlander
Boesch isn’t expensive yet.
Sideline Scholars
I, unfortunately, think you’re right. I’m a huge Boesch believer (and apologist) and would rather see Dirks make his way out, but I think it will require Boesch. But who knows just how low Billy Beane is willing to go either. He may take Dirks if we throw in another prospect like Strieby, just for example.
TheBigNice
No way, Boesch is not going anywhere. Certainly not for more pitching.
TheBigNice
No way, Boesch is not going anywhere. Certainly not for more pitching.
Garrett Gottschalk
Good bye Boesch have fun ruining your career in
Oakland….Makes sense right? Since the Tigers have been deemed the front runner for Cespedes
theflopallin
The Tigers can want. The Yankees can want.
If KC pokes their nose in and tosses Myers with a mixture of our prospects in, it’s all over. Rather have Gio than face him often in a Tigers uni.
theflopallin
The Tigers can want. The Yankees can want.
If KC pokes their nose in and tosses Myers with a mixture of our prospects in, it’s all over. Rather have Gio than face him often in a Tigers uni.
Sideline Scholars
Absolutely would be ecstatic if the Tigers can pull this off. It will cost quite a bit, but I think he may be worth it.
Sideline Scholars
Absolutely would be ecstatic if the Tigers can pull this off. It will cost quite a bit, but I think he may be worth it.
Lee Abshire
if the tigers want him it will be for brendan boesch and pocello must likley so turner can be brought along to the bigs and the tigers could have a left handed arm.
it also remains to be seen if they can land the cuban of that makes boesch more expendable if tigers included pocello they would try to pan dirks off but i think as will require boesch
Sideline Scholars
I’m sure it will require Boesch, although the A’s may take Dirks with him being cheaper for longer. Hard telling exactly what’s going through Billy Beane’s head.
Even if the Tigers have to give up Porcello, I don’t think Turner starts in the bigs. He still needs some time to develop in AAA before he gets a permanent stay in Detroit.
Lee Abshire
not disagreeing but they like turners power arm better then porcellos arm. They also had him spoy start last year and have said they are considering him the 5th starter as is if they cant sign a 1 year vet.
most likley try to make this trade and sign someone
this is all saying im right that they would deal porcelo which is a huge if
dirks has been linked to the mets for third base
and i saw him linked to seas for figgins at one time
its looks like tigers are determined to TRADE this year
turner and Castellanos they have deamed untouchable
but they have been wiling to deal
3) Andy Oliver, LHP,
4) Dan Schlereth, LHP,5)
Daniel Fields, OF,
6) Casey Crosby, LHP,
8) Brayan Villareal, RHP,
9) Drew Smyly, LHP, .
12) Lester Oliveros, RHP,13) Jose Ortega, RHP,
14) Bruce Rondon, RHP,e.
15) Robbie Weinhart, RHP,.
16) Adam Wilk, LHP,
18) Danry Vazquez, OF, 19) Ryan Strieby, 1B-OF,
20) Avisail Garcia, Of, Grade C:
inleylandwetrust
Dude any deal not headlined by Turner or Castellanos is a garbage package and won’t land you Gio. Dirks is a 4th oufielder, and would be a throw in in this kind of deal. No way would he be a headliner. Boesch is already 26 I believe, he is not the type of player the A’s are looking for. A package of Turner, Castellanos, and another prospect or 2 would be what we are looking at.
Marky
Agreed, sir.
Sideline Scholars
So you’re telling me that Dirks and Boesch are not high upside younger OF’s? By the way, as the post says, is what the A’s covet. I see zero reasons why the Tigers cannot package one of those two with a player not named Turner or Castellanos to complete a trade.
John Czech
Tigers already traded Oliveros. He was apart of the Delmon Young trade.
J.j. Miller
They want prospects and pre arby players younger than the ones being traded away. Boesch maybe but no way he’s a centerpiece , forget porcello, he’s junk
mistermonkey
Porcello isn’t junk. He is, however, 22 years old.
jphenix2002
Anyone who saw Porcello’s stuff against the Rangers knows he isn’t junk. Less pick off attempts would be nice, but the kid can pitch.
Stuart Brown
Indeed. He just needs to put it together for a full season. He’s no fluke when he’s on.
Lee Abshire
if the tigers want him it will be for brendan boesch and pocello must likley so turner can be brought along to the bigs and the tigers could have a left handed arm.
it also remains to be seen if they can land the cuban of that makes boesch more expendable if tigers included pocello they would try to pan dirks off but i think as will require boesch
oaklandfan22
wow if the tigers got gio they would have the best staff
Dan Bowen
The A’s aren’t going to get Boesch or Jackson. They want young, cheap players that will hopefully be ready by the time they hopefully get a new stadium. Hopefully.
Sideline Scholars
I agree but I think Boesch does fall in that category. Like I’ve said in other comments, I’d rather see Dirks and another prospect go over in exchange for Gonzalez, but I’m almost certain it will require Boesch.
mistermonkey
Dirks isn’t worth very much.
Sideline Scholars
Maybe not to us, but he could be for Beane. Dirks has posted a .360+ OBP at every level of baseball except for the Bigs, but he’s only had 235 PAs. He’s also shown flashes of power. Could be very valuable.
Marky
So glad he really did ask for Montero+one of the B’s. That’s his value in a nutshell.
Unless the A’s get both Turner and Castellanos, move along Tigers, you ain’t getting Gio.
oaklandfan22
when i read that i was glad too montero is the type of player we should get in return
mistermonkey
Happy to move along if that’s the case.
J.j. Miller
ryan streiby was just outrighted off the 40 man, no one claimed him, doubt he has any value
J.j. Miller
Royals have the best farm system in mlb, if their GM had any guts and offered Will Myers + im sure Gio could be a Royal by this weekend.
Yankees talks done
Marlins are a fit for morrison +, please no gaby sanchez nonsense
oaklandfan22
i think gio for hosmer would be a great deal then trade bailey for some good outfield prospects
WonderboyRooney10
This is NOT the time for the Royals to trade for a pitcher, especially their top prospect. See what you get the next 2 years with Lamb?, Montgomery, Odorizzi, Duffy, etc. By then the young guys should be a bit more matured. THEN you make the over the top move.
R.D.
If I’m the Royals I wouldn’t trade Hosmer for Gio+ and certainly not straight up. Hosmer really looks like a franchise player while Gio has a reasonable chance of needing TJ at some point.
If I’m the Tigers and I want a southpaw, I’m gonna look at other options like Wandy who will cost a good bit but not to Gio’s degree. Their rotation is fantastic as is.
Robert Gaito
He’s never shown signs of injury in his career, so speculation he’s got a reasonable change of Tommy John is a little delusional.
funkytime
Now Eric Hosmer is a guy I’d trade Jacob Turner for. 🙂
(provided Hosmer could adjust to playing the outfield, which I’ve heard he’s athletic enough to do)
Marky
Yeah that TJ call is totally out of the realm of reality, please don’t write trite things like that. I mean, yes, every single pitcher in MLB has a reasonable chance of having TJ, but Gio is not high risk whatsoever as you imply.
Douglas Rau
You A’s fans are conveniently ignoring the fact that Gonzalez lead the league in walks this season and was only one behind C.J. Wilson in 2010 for the league lead. And you want top prospects? Have you seen his home/away ERA splits? There’s at least a fair chance he’d get lit up in the AL East. Montero and one of the B’s would be a fine deal for an ace but Gio ain’t that.
Marky
How much money is CJ Wilson getting this offseason? Gio’s deal right now is basically 4/16. So, yeah.
GOTIGERS24
I would be fine giving up either Oliver or Turner because Gio is a proven pitcher he has shown he is a possible Ace, I would also give up Jackson if we get Cespedes, the only untouchable player I think would be Castellanos. Jackson and Oliver plus schlereth and a couple other prospects could get a deal done if not, throw in turner instead of Oliver
mistermonkey
The Tigers shouldn’t give up Turner. He’s only 20 and already at AAA (and deservedly so). He could easily be in the major league rotation by the middle of this season, and their #2 or #3 in 2013.
Now, if the Tigers really needed starting pitching, I’d be more inclined to say “go for it.” But with Scherzer, Fister and Porcello already in the mix, SP isn’t as much of a need for them as, say, a legitimate 2B or 3B or lead-off hitter might be. I might give up Turner for a legitimate lead-off hitter.
Marky
Its more keeping Gio off the Yankees, not to mention he’s better than Scherzer, Fister and Porcello.
Bruce
Trading Boesch would be a huge mistake..The Tigers need an OBP guy in lieup ahead of Cabrera…Boesch’s absence caused Cabrera to lose 15-20 RBI’s at least (had 105) last year.