Adrian Gonzalez Still Could End Up on Red Sox Since Long-Term Deal With Padres Is Unlikely

It seems as if the rumors linking Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox will exist until there is a reason for them not to. Either San Diego finds a way to sign him to a long-term deal or he walks after the 2011 season, potentially into the arms of Theo Epstein.

The former scenario remains a long shot, according to Padres CEO Jeff Moorad, who told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the chances of retaining Gonzalez are slim.

“While we’d still love to have Adrian here long-term, it doesn’t appear to be practical from a financial standpoint,” Moorad said Thursday. “So I’m certainly not counting on that. But we’ll engage and see if there’s a deal that can be made.”

The Pads have a $5.5 million option on Gonzalez for 2011. It’s clear the franchise cornerstone would want to stay in his hometown and is hopeful to negotiate a contract extension before entering the option year, a la David Ortiz, but it’s understandable he will want to cash in if and when he reaches free agency.

A strapped San Diego organization may find it hard to make that work. Enter Epstein and the Sox, who are tight with Padres general manager Jed Hoyer, a former assistant to Boston’s boss. With uncertainty (Adrian Beltre) and flexibility (Kevin Youkilis) at the corner infield positions, there would be room for Gonzalez in Boston, either as a free agent after next year or in a trade prior to that.

Many in New England hoped that San Diego, a last-place team in 2008 and a fourth-place finisher in 2009, would be far enough out of the race in 2010 to warrant a trade from the Padres, who might’ve wanted to get value for a potentially unsignable superstar.

That never materialized as Gonzalez’s crew was in the race until the last day of the regular season.

The same wishful thinking will exist for some Red Sox fans again in 2011, especially with the latest words from Moorad.

“At this point, I expect him to be on our roster next season,” Moorad said. “I think Jed’s committed to sit down with [agent] John Boggs at some point and I’m sure we’ll get a feel about Adrian’s view of the future. Beyond that, our position hasn’t changed.”