Theo Epstein has pulled off the best move of his career by landing Adrian Gonzalez for Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, and Reymond Fuentes. You have to give up talent to get talent and the Padres are getting the Red Sox #1 pitching prospect in Kelly. They are also getting a potentially great power hitting first baseman in Anthony Rizzo and a very athletic prospect in Fuentes. But the greatness of this deal is in landing Gonzlalez without greatly impacting the future of the Red Sox at key positions.
Adrian Gonzalez is entering the prime of his career so the Red Sox are set at first base and Rizzo becomes expendable, especially when you consider that Lars Anderson is available if Gonzalez gets hurt. Casey Kelly was able to be moved because the team has long term deals in place for most of the rotation.
Perhaps the best part of this deal is not having to send Jose Iglesias to San Diego. Iglesias did very well in the minors before getting hurt last season and he played well in the Arizona Fall League. The Red Sox have Scutaro and Lowrie at short for the 2011 season which will give Iglesias enough time to develop into the starting shortsop for 2012. Theo was also able to keep Ryan Kalish out of the deal. Kalish looks like the player that will replace Drew who may retire at the end of the season.
The Red Sox will also have a boat load of draft picks coming their way from losing Victor Martinez and Beltre to free agency. These picks should help Theo replenish the farm after the deal with San Diego.
Theo has changed the balance of power in the A.L. East with this move and puts the Red Sox among the favorites to win it all next year.
In Theo we trust!
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