Well, so much for a possible Gio Gonzalez trade. According to ESPN's Keith Law, the Oakland A's have decided to take the Washington Nationals offer for Gonzalez. The A's will reportedly get minor leaguers A.J. Cole, Derek Norris,Brad Peacock and Tom Milone in exchange for Gonzalez.
With Gonzalez coming off the board, the Red Sox could turn their attention to acquiring closer Andrew Bailey from the A's. As ESPN's Jim Bowden reported earlier, the A's could be discussing a separate deal with Boston that would send the All-Star closer to Boston.
The Red Sox seem to match up better with the A's in a trade for Bailey, rather than Gonzalez. A possible trade with the A's for Bailey could happen without the inclusion of several top prospects. The Nationals gave up four prime prospects for Gonzalez. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington simply wasn't motivated to make such a move for Gonzalez.
If the Red Sox were to acquire Bailey, they would certainly be out of the market for a closer. In 2011, Bailey saved 24 games for the A's and recorded a 3.24 ERA. Bailey is a two-time All-Star and earned rookie of the year honors in 2009.
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