Adrian Gonzalez Reportedly Traded To Boston Red Sox From San Diego Padres

Adrian Gonzalez, one of the MLB’s premier hitters, has been traded to the Boston Red Sox, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Although this isn’t a shock, as the Red Sox attempted to trade for the superstar slugger before the 2010 Trade Deadline, this is the type of move that will send shock waves throughout the AL East division.

Gonzalez is an excellent power hitter and will thrive at Fenway Park. He has a fantastic eye and will put a ton of pressure on opposing pitchers.

With Gonzalez on board, the Red Sox can move Kevin Youkilis back to third base and don’t have to worry about filling the void of Adrian Beltre.

This move will surely create a domino effect as the Yankees will be forced to answer with a monster acquisition of their own.

It is unknown exactly who the San Diego Padres will receive in return, but it almost doesn’t even matter.

The Red Sox lineup is now stacked.

They are in prime position with their pitching staff and veteran hitters to make another championship run. Despite all of the injuries last season, manager Terry Francona did a hell of a job keeping his squad together and focused for the most part, almost making a playoff run at the end of the season.

With Adrian Gonzalez on board, this gritty and resilient Red Sox team will be extremely scary in the 2011 season.

Last season, Gonzalez batted .298 with 31 homers, 101 RBIs and 87 runs scored.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis make up one of the deadliest opening five hitters of any lineup in the majors.

The Yankees just re-signed Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera to a two-year deal. They are still in serious negotiations with captain Derek Jeter. These re-signings won’t be enough now that the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez. They can’t counter with a jab; they need to pull out all of the stops.

The MLB offseason has officially opened for business.

The clock is ticking, New York Yankees.

For now, Red Sox Nation must be going wild for their superstar acquisition that has them in prime position for another World Series championship.