12BET MLB News 12/22

The Washington Nationals are dangling some top prospects as they attempt to pry coveted left-hander Gio Gonzalez from the Oakland A's, MLB.com reported Wednesday.The deal reportedly is a priority for the Nationals, who would give up four players including right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock and catcher Derek Norris.Peacock, 23, was 15-3 with a 2.39 earned-run average at double-A and triple-A this year. Norris, 22, had an off-year at the plate, hitting just .210, but had 20 homers.The Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are also in the mix for Gonzalez, 26, who was 16-12 this past season with a 3.12 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 202 innings.Roy Oswalt, a 34-year-old right-hander, is said to be a secondary target for both the Nationals and Red Sox.

The Texas Rangers added catching depth Wednesday, trading pitcher Ryan Kelly to the San Diego Padres for Luis Martinez.Martinez, 26, was added to the Rangers' major-league roster, joining fellow catchers Mike Napoli and Yorvit Torrealba. Martinez played in 22 games over three stints with San Diego in 2011, hitting .203 with one home run and 10 RBI. In 58 games at triple-A Tucson, Martinez batted .323 with one homer and 28 RBI.Kelly, 24, went 3-6 with a 3.95 ERA in 40 appearances (five starts) for single-A Myrtle Beach in 2011.