Gio Gonzalez

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Gio Gonzalez (born September 19, 1985, in Hialeah, Florida) is a left-handed pitcher in the Oakland Athletics minor league system.

Gio attended Hialeah High School in Hialeah,Fl. 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 then transfered over to Monsignor Edward Pace High School in 2004.He was drafted by the 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. During December of 2006, Gio was traded to the White Sox, his previous team, with Gavin Floyd to acquire Freddy Garcia. On January 3, 2008, Gio was traded along with two other prospects for outfielder Nick Swisher. He currently ranks No. 2 in the Athletics system as of 2008. Gonzalez current pitches for the Oakland Athletics's Triple-A affiliate Sacramento River Cats.

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