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 …

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.

Trade market for Rockies' Smith taking shape  —  Rockies outfielder Seth Smith, expendable after the team signed Michael Cuddyer, is drawing trade interest from the Mariners, Athletics, Braves, Mets, and Rays, major-league sources said.  —  Smith could earn close to $3 million in salary arbitration …

Josh Thole says he has to prove himself every day  —  In a report for the New York Post, Josh Thole says: … In 114 games last season and 386 plate appearances, Thole hit .268 with a .345 OBP, 20 doubles and 40 RBI while striking out 12.2 percent of the time.

Source: Twins to sign RHP Marquis  —  The Twins, seeking to boost their starting rotation, are close to signing free-agent right-hander Jason Marquis, according to a major-league source.  —  Marquis, 33, went 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA for the Nationals last season before getting traded …

Yanks, Red Sox hit with luxury tax  —  The New York Yankees have been hit with a $13.9 million luxury tax bill, their lowest since 2003.  —  The fee, assessed Thursday by Major League Baseball under its labor contract, is down from $18 million last year and $25.7 million in 2009, when the Yankees won the World Series.

Larkin, Morris May Get Their Calls  —  DENVER—Throughout his career, Jack Morris always was up for a battle, so why should things be any different now?  —  The most dominant pitcher of his era, Morris is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the 13th time.  It could well be his lucky number.

Danks, White Sox reportedly agree to $65 million deal  —  Despite persistent trade rumors, it appears that John Danks will be staying with the White Sox after agreeing to a five-year, $65 million contract, according to multiple reports.  —  Danks, who made $6 million last season …

Years of silent fear: 6th person accuses Conlin  —  LINDA STELLA said that she was just a girl when Bill Conlin pulled her onto his lap and began “flexing his leg muscles” during a family birthday party at his house in South Jersey.  She leaped off his lap and looked back.