Video

Gio Gonzalez (born September 19, 1985 in Hialeah, Florida) is a left-handed pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. Gonzalez attended Hialeah High School in Hialeah, Florida, for the first 3 years of his high school career, where they won two state championships and nearly won a third. After his junior year, he transferred over to Monsignor Edward Pace High School in 2004. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 1st round. In 2005, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with Aaron Rowand and Daniel Haigwood. Gio was rated the No. 2 prospect in the Phillies' system behind Cole Hamels by Baseball America in 2006. In December 2006, Gio was traded to the White Sox, his previous team, with Gavin Floyd to acquire Freddy Garcia. On January 3, 2008, Gonzalez was traded along with fellow prospects Ryan Sweeney and Fautino de los Santos for outfielder Nick Swisher. He ranked No. 2 in the Athletics system as of 2008. Gonzalez was called up on August 5, 2008, and made his debut on August 6. Gonzalez led the minor leagues with 185 strikeouts in 150 innings in 2007 Gonzalez throws a fastball that ranges from 90-93 MPH, a changeup, and a devastating 12 to 6 curveball.