According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, the Red Sox and Padres are "close" to agreeing in principle on a trade that would send Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox for prospects. Hayes adds that Heath Bell is not in the deal, despite other rumors.
The prospects that have been reportedly tossed around in a possible Gonzalez trade have been infielder Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Casey Kelly. Numerous reports have surfaced that reliever Daniel Bard and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury are not going to be included in the package sent to the Padres. However, it remains unclear as to if shortstop Jose Iglesias is in the trade.
In a separate note, Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com is hearing that it is "possible" that a trade is finalized this weekend, before the Winter Meetings begin next week in Orlando.
Talks between the Red Sox and Padres happened earlier this evening with the Red Sox "progressing". There were also reports that said that the Chicago Cubs were in on Gonzalez as well as a few other teams.
Heath Bell's name has been tossed around in Gonzalez trade talk, but it appears the Red Sox will just settle for Adrian Gonzalez. If acquired, Gonzalez will become the team's first baseman which will force Kevin Youkilis to move to third base, putting Boston out of the market for re-signing Adrian Beltre.