The chances of Adrian Gonzalez being a Padre beyond the 2011 season seem slim. The Padres are not willing to devote 25-30% of their payroll on 1 player. The Padres will likely explore trades for Adrian at the July 31st trade deadline this year. If they don't trade him this year he will most likely be gone by the start of the 2011 season.

 

 

Boston Red Sox: I might as well start with the obvious. The Red Sox seem to be a perfect fit. They have a rich farm system, plenty of money, and are in need of a big bat. They also have first baseman/catcher Victor Martinez, designated hitter David Ortiz, and third baseman Adrian Beltre potentially leaving as free agents after this year. Jed Hoyer knows the Sox system like the back of his hand.

Players of interest:

Ryan Westmoreland CF- He's very advanced for his age (19) and the kid is a tool shed.

Casey Kelly RHP- Kelly (19) has 3 potential plus pitches and projects as an ace.

Others: Ryan Kalish OF, Josh Reddick OF, Reymon Fuentes OF, Junichi Tazawa RHP, Daniel Bard RHP, Clay Buchholz RHP, Jacoby Ellsbury CF.

New York Mets: The Mets don't have anyone at first base worth mentioning on the major league roster. They do have a young first base prospect by the name of Ike Davis who could be ready for the majors as early as this year. The Mets farm system is weak. Ike Davis is one of their best prospects and the Padres likely wouldn't be interested in him because of Blanks. In my opinion, any deal with the Mets would have to start with Fernando Martinez.

Players of interest:

Jenrry Mejia RHP- Front end of the rotation potential with a big fastball.

Wilmer Flores SS- Very young with power potential, solf hands and a plus arm.

Others: Brad Holt RHP, Jon Niese LHP, Reese Havens SS, and Josh Thole C.

 

 

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles seem like they are willing to spend money for the right player and don't have anyone entrenched at first base. Adrian Gonzalez would definitely be that guy. He is similar to Mark Teixeira whom the Orioles attempted to acquire last off-season. The Orioles also have a ton of prospects and young players that would interest the Padres. The question is will they be willing to give them up?

 

Brian Matusz LHP- Ace potential, 4 potential plus pitches, good command, MLB ready.

Jake Arrieta RHP- Good stuff with spotty command, could end up in bullpen.

Zach Britton LHP- Sinker/slider type pitcher with fastball that reaches 94 MPH & solid change

Others: Matt Wieters C, Matt Hobgood RHP, Brandon Erbe RHP, Kam Mickolio RHP, Mychal Givens SS.

White Sox: They don't have anyone set for first base and Paul Konerko will be a free agent after this season. The Sox have money although they don't have much on the farm. A deal would likely have to start with Gordon Beckham.

 

Jared Mitchell CF- Leadoff potential, plus plus speed, patient hitter with some power.

Tyler Flowers C- Light tower power, discipline, average arm, may not stick as catcher.

Dan Hudson RHP- Three solid pitches, projected middle of the rotation starter or better

Others: Jordan Danks CF, David Holmberg LHP.

 

 

Nationals: They have their new park and could be willing to spend money for franchise player. They currently have Adam Dunn at first base but, he will be a free agent at the end of this season and Dunn is also capable of playing left field.

Players of interest:

Stephen Strasburg RHP- Self explanatory. Not going to happen.

Derek Norris C- Good hitter, above AVG power to all fields, moves well with solid arm.

Ian Desmond SS- Plus bat speed, average power, quick hands, good range, average speed.

Others Danny Espinosa SS, Jeff Kobernus, 2B, Michael Burgess RF.

 

 

Mariners: They seem to be all in right now and don't have a legitimate first baseman.

They lost some of their prospects to acquire Lee but, they still have a few good prospects and some good young major leaguers.

Players of interest:

Dustin Ackley- Special bat, average power, plus speed. Playing 2B now, could end up in CF.

Michael Saunders LF/CF- All five tools average or better, MLB ready.

Others: Adam Moore C, Carlos Truinfel SS/2B, Michael Pineda RHP, Nick Franklin SS, Jose Lopez 2B.

Cubs: Derek Lee is a free agent after this year and the Cubs have wanted a left handed bat for a long time.

 

Starlin Castro SS- Great contact, plus speed, good range/arm.

Brett Jackson CF- Well above average raw power, plus speed, solid arm, good accuracy.

Josh Vitters 3B- Potential to hit .300 30 HR's, may have to move to the OF.

Andrew Cashner RHP- Power pitcher, fastball touches 98 MPH.

Others: Jay Jackson RHP, Hak-Ju Lee SS, Logan Watkins 2B, Chris Carpenter RHP.

Other: There could be a few dark horses. The Giants don't have a long term first baseman. Trading within the division would be unlikely but, they have two very good prospects in Posey and Bumgarner. The Astros could lose Lance Berkman after this year. (free agent) The Marlins need a frst baseman but, are probably the only team cheaper than the Padres. The Diamondbacks need a first baseman but, trading within the division is unlikely. The Rangers have the best farm system in baseball and could move Davis to DH or get fid of him in place of Adrian but, their team is in the middle of being sold. The sale fo the team leaves their payroll situation unknown. The Tigers have Miguel Cabrera but, he's not a very good first baseman. Cabrera could DH while Adrian plays first and they would have a deadly 1-2 punch in the middle of the lineup. The Athletics need a long term first baseman and Billy Bean loves to make trades. He could get Adrian at the deadline if they're in the hunt and trade him later like they did with Matt Holliday. The Rays could lose Pena after this year (free agent) but, probably wouldn't be able to extend him.