Source: Nationals get Gio Gonzalez  —  Oakland Athletics left-hander Gio Gonzalez, highly coveted by a number of teams, was dealt to the Washington Nationals Thursday for four prospects, a team source told ESPN Insider Keith Law.  —  The Athletics will receive right-hander Brad Peacock …

A's Talking Gio Gonzalez, Andrew Bailey  —  3:02pm: Rival executives say the Nationals have the best chance at obtaining Gonzalez and some believe Danny Espinosa or Ian Desmond could be in play, according to Heyman.  —  2:44pm: The Red Sox are trying to get Gonzalez and Bailey in a “monster deal,” tweets Rosenthal.

Cardinals' talks with Beltran intensify  —  ST. LOUIS  • The Cardinals intensified their talks with the agent for switch-hitting outfielder Carlos Beltran late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.  Beltran has been a target of the team since Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels.

Beltran talks hot, Indians now in mix  —  Carlos Beltran continues to sort through interest from at least five clubs — maybe more — and hopes to make a decision by Christmas, sources with knowledge of the discussions say.  —  The Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays were all said to be …

Mets among 5 teams interested in Rockies OF Seth Smith  —  The Mets are among five teams to show interest in Rockies OF Seth Smith, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, who says Smith is now available after Coloradio signed Michael Cuddyer.  —  Last week, Tracy Ringolsby of FOX Sports …

New York Notes: Thole, Wright, Yankees  —  The Yankees and Mets play in baseball's biggest market, but both are in the midst of quiet offseasons, as our Free Agent Tracker shows.  The Bronx Bombers re-signed Freddy Garcia and extended C.C. Sabathia after exercising options on Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano.