Adrian Gonzalez To Red Sox

In a back-and-forth melodrama that almost fell through, the Red Sox acquired San Diego Padres 3-time All-Star and 2-time Gold Glover Adrian Gonzalez, in a trade for four prospects out of their farm system yesterday. The trade was made after the 2pm deadline to reach a contract agreement came and went, which is why it was originally reported by many "in-the-know" that the trade appeared to be off.

It's been a rough 24 hours for the Bombers' Beantown rivals; in the midst of the Gonzalez saga, word came yesterday evening--to everyone's surprise--that Phillies right-fielder Jayson Werth, signed a whopping 7-year, $126 million deal to play for the Washington Nationals. Word is that the Red Sox were in serious pursuit of Werth, who is considered one of the most promising, five-tool right-fielders in the NL. 

The trade for Adrian Gonzalez likely signals an end to third baseman Adrian Beltre's time in Beantown as first baseman Kevin Youkilis will be moved to third. Beltre declined arbitration last week, a move seen by many as unsurprising as his stellar play in 2010 makes his case for a lucrative contract on the free market.

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper