Dodgers talking Gonzalez, Bell with San Diego
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who appear to have moved on from their talks with Toronto for ace Roy Halladay, are talking with the San Diego Padres about a potential blockbuster deal in which they would acquire both first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and closer Heath Bell, sources with knowledge of the Dodgers' plans have told CBSSports.com.
Gonzalez, a two-time All-Star, was hitting .252 with 28 home runs and 59 RBI in 103 games for the Padres this season. The Padres long have said they have not wanted to trade him but began listening to offers within the last several days.
San Diego conducted extensive talks with Boston regarding Gonzalez over the past 48 hours but those finally ended less than two hours before the trade deadline when the Red Sox acquired Victor Martinez.
If the Dodgers are able to pull this off, it would be the second closer they've acquired in two days -- they nabbed Baltimore's George Sherrill on Thursday. Also, presumably Gonzalez would replace James Loney at first base. There is no word yet on whom the Dodgers would send back in the deal.
Meantime, the Dodgers aren't the only Southern California team attempting to land Bell: The Los Angeles Angels also are engaged in serious discussions with the Padres while attempting to bolster their bullpen.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who appear to have moved on from their talks with Toronto for ace Roy Halladay, are talking with the San Diego Padres about a potential blockbuster deal in which they would acquire both first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and closer Heath Bell, sources with knowledge of the Dodgers' plans have told CBSSports.com.
Gonzalez, a two-time All-Star, was hitting .252 with 28 home runs and 59 RBI in 103 games for the Padres this season. The Padres long have said they have not wanted to trade him but began listening to offers within the last several days.
San Diego conducted extensive talks with Boston regarding Gonzalez over the past 48 hours but those finally ended less than two hours before the trade deadline when the Red Sox acquired Victor Martinez.
If the Dodgers are able to pull this off, it would be the second closer they've acquired in two days -- they nabbed Baltimore's George Sherrill on Thursday. Also, presumably Gonzalez would replace James Loney at first base. There is no word yet on whom the Dodgers would send back in the deal.
Meantime, the Dodgers aren't the only Southern California team attempting to land Bell: The Los Angeles Angels also are engaged in serious discussions with the Padres while attempting to bolster their bullpen.
