Superstar first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, a 28-year-old who had a .573 slugging percentage outside of Petco Park last season, will be wearing a Red Sox uniform in 2011 (and likely for the next several seasons after that).

In exchange for the heavy hitter, the Sox give up three prospects: 1B Anthony Rizzo, SP Casey Kelly, and OF Reymond Fuentes.  While most consider Kelly to be the best prospect in this group, the guy I consider most valuable is Rizzo.  Back in September, I ranked these guys #3, #5, and #17 in the organization, respectively.

The Sox actually gave up less than I thought they would, and I’m pleasantly surprised they were able to hang on to shortstop Jose Iglesias.

My initial reaction to this deal is extreme optimism and exuberance.  They did give up some quality prospects that could have great careers in San Diego, but Gonzalez is one of the top hitters in the game.  The last time I was this excited over an acquisition was in the winter of 2000, when the team signed a certain free agent left fielder.  Gonzalez has the potential to put up similar numbers in Fenway Park.

We’ll take a closer look at Gonzalez on Monday morning.

3 Responses to “Blockbuster: Adrian Gonzalez Brings His Bat to Boston”

1. The Beginning says:

   12/4/2010 at 7:00 pm

   [...] The House That Dewey Built » Blockbuster: Adrian Gonzalez Brings His Bat to Boston [...]
2. Build Your MLM List | Our Home Based Business Blog - Discussing All Aspects Of Home Based Businesses says:

   12/5/2010 at 9:28 am

   [...] The House That Dewey Built » Blockbuster: Adrian Gonzalez Brings His Bat to Boston [...]
3. Name: Mark says:

   12/6/2010 at 1:16 am

   Theo has a recent history of wanting short contracts, ie Bay, Martinez. Since the contract is just now being written, it should be limited for 2010 to the 6Mil range, not heavily effecting negotiating position for other trades this year. So, length of contract is probably the hangup. When you are in the 50% tax bracket, it doesn’t make too much diffence to delay payment some.