San Diego Padres: Atlanta Braves Could Have Interest In Adrian Gonzalez

The rumors don't seem to stop even when a prominant ESPN writer says not to take any of them seriously.

There was talk of the Boston Red Sox going hard after San Diego Padres' first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, then there were rumors that the Mariners and Orioles could possibly get involved. All three never seemed to get anything accomplished and the rumors died off quietly.

Now, there could be a new team getting involved, specifically the Atlanta Braves. General Manager Frank Wren was on AM 790 The Zone and talked about the possibility of adding a "run producer" to the middle of their lineup.

"We think we're in the mix for a guy just like that," Wren told The Zone. "We're going to add a run producer that's going to round out our offense."

It's not known whether the Braves will go after that bat via trade of if they could possibly go after free agents like Jason Bay or Matt Holliday. However, each could be well out of the range of what Atlanta is wanting to spend .

The Braves have been looking to unload veteran right hander and former Dodger Derek Lowe and he could be used as a part of a deal to land Gonzalez, but the Braves have to know that the Padres are going to ask for a lot more than just Lowe.

The search for Gonzalez may become a moot point with the Braves close to a deal with former Anaheim Angels' third baseman Troy Glaus. Although Glaus is a natural third baseman, he may also be able to be installed at first base especially with his history of injuries. It might be less of a risk for Atlanta and still have his power in the lineup.

Every time a rumor rears its head involving Gonzalez, it seems to get stamped out just as quickly.

With the holidays upon us, teams will more than likely go on a week and a half hiatus before picking up after the new year.

As for the Padres, they seem to be okay with staying with what they have on their roster thus far. The only moves they could still possibly make is to find a fifth starter and possibly build their bullpen around set up man Mike Adams and closer Heath Bell.

Only time will tell which direction the Padres decide to go in. There's just under two months before players will report to their respective spring training homes. Expect Gonzalez to be wearing a Padres' uniform when that reporting date comes.

Only a steal of a deal will convince the Padres to pull the trigger on a deal. Don't count on that happening any time soon.

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