Both teams make good on the deal, acquiring chips that benefit them right away, in the future or sometimes, both.
The midwinter trade that brought Adrian Gonzalez to Boston seems to be one of those trades in which everyone is a winner — at least thus far.
The Sox got their slugger in Gonzalez, while San Diego, in the midst of rebuilding, got three players that they can rely upon in the future, including one in Anthony Rizzo, who has already reached the big leagues and even roped a double at Fenway Park on Monday night during the Padres' 14-5 loss to the Sox.
While Terry Francona never got a chance to manage Rizzo at the big league level, he still had glowing praise for the youngster.
"This is a win-win for everybody,” Francona said on Monday night. "To get Gonzie, you’ve got to give up some pretty special people and [Rizzo] certainly is. He has a chance to be, not just as a player but as a person."
Of course, the slugging first baseman isn't the only chip former Red Sox assistant general manager and current Padres GM Jed Hoyer was able to obtain from old friend Theo Epstein.
There's also pitching prospect Casey Kelly. The right-hander has been considered one of baseball's top prospect for some time as he was the No. 31 overall rated minor leaguer prior to the 2011 season by Baseball America. Like Rizzo, the change of scenery may accelerate Kelly's path to the big leagues.
It also won't hurt Kelly to be pitching in the light-hitting National League West when he finally does reach the majors. That could be sooner than later, too, as he is having a fine season (5-2, 3.72 ERA) at Double-A San Antonio.
The wild card in the deal may be Reymond Fuentes. The 20-year-old outfielder was a first round pick in 2009 and drew some comparisons to Jacoby Ellsbury. In 63 games at short-season Single-A, Fuentes is hitting .294 with a .354 on-base percentage. The number that jumps off the page, though, is the 30 stolen bases he's already registered. He certainly needs polishing, but he could be a dynamic player someday.
There's a chance that all three former Red Sox prospects go on to have terrific careers. Even if that happens, the Red Sox will probably still be happy with their guy, if the first few months are any sort of indication of things to come.
Which former Red Sox minor leaguer will have the most successful career in San Diego?Market Research
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