Phillies Rumors: Phils Chasing A's Lefty Gio Gonzalez

An old baseball adage says teams can't have enough pitching. The Philadelphia Phillies could be testing that theory, according to Fox Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal.

Already armed with a deep and talented staff, the Phillies are one of a dozen teams reportedly interested in dealing for Oakland A's lefty starter Gio Gonzalez.

Philadelphia's interest in Gonzalez is somewhat of a surprise considering that the Phillies rotation is already anchored by Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, but Rosenthal suggests that acquiring Gonzalez could give Philadelphia insurance in case Hamels leaves via free agency in 2012. Adding Gonzalez could also potentially allow Philadelphia to dangle Hamels as trade bait during the final season of his contract.

Rosenthal reports that the Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Reds are also known to be interested in Gonzalez. The Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies are also looking to add pitching and could be intrigued by the prospect of dealing for Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was 16-12 last year with a 3.12 ERA. He was a Phillies farmhand in 2005.

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