Red Sox take aim at Adrian Gonzalez
Cliff Lee
FOX Sports
Share This Story
The team, which announced the signings of right-hander John Lackey and center fielder Mike Cameron on Wednesday, is working hard to obtain Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, according to major-league sources.
A deal is not close, and might not happen at all, sources said. Jed Hoyer, the Padres’ new general manager -- and Red Sox’s former assistant GM -- wants a high price for Gonzalez, whose contract is one of the biggest bargains in baseball.
“Jed has been asking for a ton,” one source said.
Gonzalez, 27, is signed for $4.75 million next season with a $5.5 million club option for 2011. He hit 40 home runs last season despite playing his home games at pitcher-friendly Petco Park.
If the Red Sox acquired him, they would shift first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third. In the meantime, they await the completion of their trade of third baseman Mike Lowell to the Rangers.
Gonzalez, in fact, might be the final piece the Red Sox envision as they look to complete their offseason construction, which began with the signing of free-agent shortstop Marco Scutaro to a two-year, $12 million contract.
The addition of Lackey will give the Red Sox the flexibility to trade right-hander Clay Buchholz, who likely would be the centerpiece of any package for Gonzalez. Likewise, the addition of Cameron will give them the flexibility to trade outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.
The Padres would be tempted to move Gonzalez if they could get Buchholz and Ellsbury in the same deal, sources say. However, the Red Sox would be very reluctant to include both, according to another source.
A separate person familiar with Boston’s position said the team is becoming comfortable with the idea of trading Buchholz. But the source expressed doubt that the Red Sox would include outfielder Ryan Westmoreland or pitcher Casey Kelly in the deal; at present, the Padres are trying to obtain one of the two high-level prospects.
After investing nearly $100 million combined in the signings of Lackey and Cameron, the Red Sox would surely welcome the opportunity to add a slugger such as Gonzalez at club-friendly salaries.
The acquisition of Gonzalez would enable the Red Sox to pass on free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, who is seeking a four-year deal for at least $40 million, sources say.
Boston then could turn its attention to signing right-hander Josh Beckett to a long-term extension -- and retain the financial flexibility to pursue other free agents in next year’s deep market.
If the Red Sox fail to acquire either Gonzalez or Beltre, they would be left with a Casey Kotchman/Victor Martinez platoon at first and Youkilis at third.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: Brady's wife rips Patriots WRs
Gisele Bundchen ripped into the New England Patriots' receivers for the failed plays ... -
Top 10 Super Bowl XLVI commercials
Doritos brings the goods with the canine bribe. -
10 worst Super Bowl XLVI commercials
GoDaddy.com isn't tricking us into visiting. -
Greatest call in Super Bowl history?
Without season's biggest call, there are no Eli heroics. -
Is the ride over for Brady's Patriots?
As Brady falls short again, are we witnessing the end of New England's dynasty?
MLB Videos
Morosi: Stick with your friends Josh
Posted: Feb 03, 2012
Jon Paul Morosi says why Josh Hamilton now belongs in Texas more than ever.
Jon Paul Morosi says why Josh Hamilton now belongs in Texas more than ever.
Hamilton suffers setback
Posted: Feb 03, 2012
Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton discusses a recent setback in his battle with addi...
Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton discusses a recent setback in his battle with addi...
Tigers primed for Prince
Posted: Jan 26, 2012
Prince Fielder talks about signing with the Tigers. Plus, hear from GM Dave Domb...
Prince Fielder talks about signing with the Tigers. Plus, hear from GM Dave Domb...
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |

Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.