The MLB winter meetings are in full swing and although Billy Beane left town Tuesday evening, the rumor mill continues to furiously churn out possible destinations for starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez. The A's are in a continual rebuilding mode as they ideally are looking to have a competitive team in time for a new stadium in 2015. Whether the stadium happens or not is a side issue for the purposes of the here and now. The odds of Gio Gonzalez being around for any new stadium are slim as he approaches free agency before then.
The Miami Marlins are the most prominent team mentioned as they are looking to add some quality pitching around an improving offense. The A's reportedly have asked for Jesus Montero and either Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos from the Yankees. They are also reportedly talking to the Tigers and Phillies. A cross-section of the rumors has revealed some interest from the above teams, as well as the Nationals, Reds and Diamondbacks.
Although the A's have made it fairly clear they are looking to unload Gonzalez, they are still in a seller's market given his low cost and the general need for pitching across the league. The Winter Meetings are a good opportunity to discuss deals, but in reality, any deal is likely to go down later in the month after the initial face-to-face at the meetings.