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Sox, Pads, Angels Talking Three Way Deal Involving Konerko, Gonzalez, and Prospects
SoxNet.net has learned that the Chicago White Sox have had preliminary discussions with the Anaheim Angels and San Diego Padres on a potential 3 way deal which would involve Paul Konerko, Adrian Gonzalez, and Angel and White Sox prospects. SoxNet.net is not aware of the specifics of the trade (ie, names of prospects and exact details as to how many prospects, etc) but the discussions are built on the Sox sending Konerko and prospects in-return for Adrian Gonzalez. The Angels would receive Konerko with the Padres receiving a combination of Sox and Angel prospects.
We want to re-iterate that our sources, which we consider to be very reliable, have inidcated that the teams have had preliminary discussions. In no way, shape or form, are we reporting this as a done deal or a close to done deal.
SN's Jason Gage Speculates on the trade:
Why the Sox Do it?
A deal which would land Adrian Gonzalez, without giving up Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham, Gavin Floyd, or John Danks would have to be looked at as a major coup for Sox GM Ken Williams. Gonzalez, 26, would provide the Sox with a proven MVP candidate and their best offensive player since Frank Thomas' prime. A deal involving Konerko and prospects for Gonzalez would leave the club with holes, but by moving Konerko, the club would have most of the financial resources it needs to fill its remaining holes (OF, DH, and RHP). Combine Gonzalez with a healthy Quentin, Beckham, and arguably the best rotation in baseball and you are talking about a team with the core parts to not only contend for the World Series, but win it.
How Much Would it Cost?
While SoxNet has only heard Konerko's name being mentioned on the Sox side, it is safe to presume that the prospects the Sox would be sending would be a combination of the club's top prospects, as well as potentially a prospect or two from the Angels. The Padres demands would obviously start at phenom Gordon Beckham, but Ken Williams has given every indication that Beckham is off limits, so it is safe to assume that the Padres would be picking from a group of the Sox top prospects: Tyler Flowers (C), Dan Hudson (RHP), Jordan Danks (OF), Dayan Viciedo (3B/1B/DH), and Brent Morel (3B).
Flowers and Hudson would make perfect sense for the Padres, who are believed to be interested in a package of major league ready top prospects and/or up-and-coming young major leaguers. Both are knocking on the major league door and are widely considered to be amongst the league's best prospects at their respected positions. After Flowers and Hudson, the Padres would likely ask for Jordan Danks, but many believe Danks is close to untouchable due his relationship with John Danks (Brother) combined with the fact that Danks would fill a major long-term need for the club (potential top of the order hitter and premium defensive OF'er). If push came to shove, I personally would put Danks in the package, but the Sox might try to sell the Padres on a combination of Brent Morel, Dayan Viciedo and a package of other minor leaguer's, which could potentially include an Angel prospect or two.
Alternative Options:
While my possibilities above focused on top prospects going to the Padres, the Sox could also put together packages which include a young, proven starter (Danks/Floyd) and/or a young, proven shortstop (Alexei Ramirez). I personally would be less interested in a package involving such players, however, the possibilities definitely exist.
Final Take:
While this deal is not imminent, it is clear that the Sox not only have a need for Adrian Gonzalez (impact, left handed hitting, middle of the order bat), but also the pieces to obtain Gonzalez. What the ultimate package would be is un-clear, but most of the theoretical packages would provide the Sox with the middle of the order bat that could put the club over the top.
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