In advance of the 2012 season, the Washington Nationals agreed to acquire LHP Gio Gonzalez from the Oakland A’s in exchange for four well-regarded prospects. Now that he’s left for pastures new with the Milwaukee Brewers, it’s time to dissect the trade.
The Nationals ended up sending catcher Derek Norris, as well as pitchers Tommy Milone, Brad Peacock, and AJ Cole to the A’s. At the time of the deal, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported a scout’s reaction, “I don’t know how they could have done better.