Red Sox and Dodgers Near Blockbuster Trade

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine talks with first baseman Adrian Gonzalez for what may be one of their last times together. (Jim Rogash)

Sources have revealed major trade discussion between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox are almost certainly out of contention for a playoff spot. They have already begun to make moves to help them rebuild for the future. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are pushing hard to win the NL West over their rival San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers are under new ownership and not afraid to spend money to improve.

According to reports, the Red Sox would trade star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, starting pitcher Josh Beckett, left fielder Carl Crawford, and infielder Nick Punto to the Dodgers. In return, the Dodgers will send first baseman James Loney and three prospects, pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan de Jesus, and outfielder Jerry Sands. There are still some hoops the teams have to get through to finalize the trade. One example of this would be that Beckett has the right to veto a trade.

Another significant factor of this trade is the money being exchanged. If the trade goes through, the Dodgers will have to pay the vast majority of the $261 million remaining on the contracts of Gonzalez (six years), Beckett (two years), and Crawford (five years). Dodgers ownership has seemed to be willing to spend that kind of money, especially when you consider who they have acquired this season.

The Red Sox willingness to depart with Gonzalez is really difficult to believe. After all, they dealt two of their top prospects, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Casey Kelly to bring in Gonzalez in the first place. Then, the Red Sox convinced him to sign a seven-year, $154 million extension in April 2011. Gonzalez leads the Red Sox in hits (145), batting average (.300), RBIs (86), and on-base percentage (.343). So the Red Sox aren't trading him because of a lack of production, but rather a change in team direction.

The trade appears to be a beneficial one for both sides. The Red Sox are able to wipe their slates clean and start fresh. Their willingness to include Adrian Gonzalez in the trade did surprise me. Most teams that are traditionally contenders don't look to trade away their best hitter. That is exactly what the Sox would be doing here. Poor clubhouse culture and connectivity appeared to be two of the biggest problems with the current Red Sox team. My concern becomes whether or not that will continue with whomever joins next season's ball club.

The Dodgers did quite well in this trade as well. Gonzalez is one of the best hitters in baseball. He should thrive with the return to hitting in the NL West. If Beckett and Crawford are even able to regain some of their former form, they could greatly affect this team as they push for the playoffs. The question for the Dodgers now becomes how their players and coaches will come together to play excellent baseball. For example, they now have seven new players in their daily lineups.The development of a winning chemistry is crucial to the success of the team. It will be interesting to see if this trade does indeed happen and which team will benefit the most down the road.