Turning around and trading Ellsbury would result in a steal for Padres

There actually is more pressure on the Padres than the Red Sox to get a Gonzalez deal done. The Padres have a big-market, deep-pocket team interested in Gonzalez. The Padres have firsthand knowledge of the inventory. Will they let this opportunity slip by? Will they take the chance that Boston is interested in Gonzalez at the trading deadline, or that there would be another deep-pocket team interested in Gonzalez after the season ends? Even if the Mets, who need a first baseman, wanted Gonzalez, do they have the minor league players that could satisfy Hoyer and McLeod? Probably not. Seattle? The Mariners were interested in Gonzalez at the trading deadline this past season. They have done quite a bit this offseason with the signing of Chone Figgins and the trade for Cliff Lee. They’ve given up prospects. While they would be able to absorb Gonzalez’s $4.5 million and $5.5 million salaries the next two years, what about after that? They’re about to get involved with big-money, long-term deals for Felix Hernandez and Lee.