Billy Beane once said that by the time a GM decides it's time to rebuild, it's already too late; the decision has to be made a year in advance. Beane realized last year that the A's would be .500 at best in 2008, so he started rebuilding for 2009. He has assembled a stable of eight to 10 young pitchers who could make the A's contenders for years. The latest are LHP Gio GonzAlez and RHP Fautino De Los Santos, both acquired in the Nick Swisher deal with the White Sox. Gonzalez throws 93-94 with a good curveball. "He'll be a solid No. 3 starter," a scout says. De Los Santos, according to one assistant GM, "is as good a pitching prospect as there is in the minor leagues" … In Swisher, the White Sox got the hitter they really needed. Now if they deal Paul Konerko to the Angels, Swisher could play first base, opening up outfield slots for recently acquired Carlos Quentin and Cuban signee Alexei Ramírez … Though MARK PRIOR might not pitch until midseason (shoulder rehab), several teams were interested in the former Cub. He could thrive as a Padre because he's back home in SoCal, gets to pitch in a big ballpark and has ex-teammate Greg Maddux for counsel. Plus, this is Prior's walk year, so he's motivated … New Astros closer JosÉ Valverde led the majors in saves by going primarily with two pitches, his fastball and his split. If he continues to do that, rather than tinkering with a cutter and a bunch of other pitches that didn't work, Houston has found its replacement for Brad Lidge … Goose Gossage, who finally made the Hall of Fame his ninth time on the ballot, should have been elected his first year. Why? Gossage had 125 saves of at least two innings, third all-time behind HOFers Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter. Mariano Rivera, one of the greatest closers ever, has 11.