2011 MLB Trade Rumors: A’s Listening on Gio Gonzalez, Andrew Bailey

It’s being reported that the Oakland A’s are looking into trades involving two of their well established arms.  David Villavicencio wrote yesterday that the Miami Marlins are trying to acquire A’s starter Gio Gonzalez.  Meanwhile, Buster Olney is hearing that the Reds are talking to Oakland about a trade that would send closer Andrew Bailey to Cincinnati.

Over the past few days we have learned many things about the Miami Marlins.  We already knew the club was willing to break out their checkbook for big-ticket free agents this winter.  However, Saturday it was reported that Miami also appears ready to surrender top young talent to bring in established players.

It’s also known that Miami is looking for rotation help this winter.  While they are hoping to nab one starter from the free agent market, the Marlins are also looking to add a pitcher via trade.  Gonzalez, a Florida native, is one of Miami’s top targets this winter, according to Villavicencio.

Apparently Gonzalez would enjoy pitching in his home state, and with their new stadium, the Marlins should be able to provide Gio the contract extension he is seeking.

However, prying Gonzalez from Oakland’s general manager Billy Beane will be easier said than done.  Beane has already made it clear that will treat any of his top pitchers like aces on the trade market this winter, requesting substantial return to move any of them.

The other A’s player drawing attention is Bailey.  Cincinnati could lose closer Francisco Cordero to free agency, and according to Olney, the Reds are looking into alternatives such as Bailey.  As with Gonzalez, Bailey doesn’t figure to come cheap.

Still only 27-years-old, Bailey has maintained an ERA of 2.07 and a sub-one WHIP over his three seasons in the bigs.  Bailey is arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason and is under team control until 2015.

For more on the Athletics, be sure to check out Swingin’ A’s.