[USML Announce] OUCH!

[Jeffrey Winick]

This just in:

The Washington Nationals have landed left-handed starting pitcher Gio 
Gonzalez, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman has confirmed. In return, 
the A's will receive a veritable killing that is usually reserved for 
an ace-type pitcher. Tom Milone, Brad Peacock, Derek Norris and A.J. 
Cole are headed to Oakland's system in a trade that was first reported 
by ESPN.com. In fact, Peacock and Milone are probably going to be 
thrown into the A's starting rotation. UPDATE: CBSSports.com's Scott 
Miller reports that the Nationals will also get right-handed pitcher 
Robert Gillia.

Let us all say a prayer for the Riptorns and what's left of their 
rapidly diminishing arsenal of talent.

On a less dour note:

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!

Jeff