MLB Free Agents 2012: Gio Gonzalez Puts Washington Nationals on the Radar

With their acquisition of Oakland ace Gio Gonzalez, the Washington Nationals have finally placed themselves at the forefront of the postseason conversation.

Gonzalez, a 26-year-old lefty, who had been connected to numerous teams during the offseason, is a lifetime 3.93 ERA pitcher with a 1.41 WHIP.  

The 2011 season, however, was by far the best of his career, with a season ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.32.

Gonzalez joins phenomenon Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann atop Washington's suddenly potent rotation.

The move is certainly a risky one; the Nationals gave up four top prospects, including RHPs A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, for a pitcher who led the league in walks last season.  

However, the move could pay dividends  for the club in the immediate future, as Gio Gonzalez could be the piece that finally pushes Washington into the postseason.

Gonzalez now stabilizes what could quickly become a formidable rotation in a division where pitching is at a premium.  Supported by offensive threats like Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth, Washington's stable of strong arms might not be enough to carry the team into the NL East race, but certainly puts them near the top of the wild-card chase.

Keep in mind that Major League Baseball will be adding a second wild-card for each league no later than 2013, making the path to the postseason even wider for the club.

Washington GM Mike Rizzo's job is by no means done.  From the beginning of the offseason, the club's plan has been to add both a starting pitcher and a offensive threat for the outfield—a job that remains only half done.  

The Nationals are also still in contention for former Phillies' ace Roy Oswalt's services.

But acquiring Gio Gonzalez is a major advancement for team that has been steadily improving for the past few seasons, and one that may finally place them into the postseason.