Gonzalez trade reality or rumor?

MLB's Winter Meetings are fast approaching, and this has fueled speculation that the Padres are looking to trade first basemen Adrian Gonzalez in a possible 3 way deal between the Padres, White Sox and Angels.

Gonzalez himself is playing the middle ground saying he would be happy staying or going. Staying means remaining in his native San Diego, where Gonzalez is a fan favorite on both sides of the border, but a trade would likely send Gonzalez to a team with legitimate play-off potential.

This is not the first time the Padres have indicated a willingness to trade Gonzalez. Earlier this year the buzz concerned a potential deal with the Red Sox, but ultimately Gonzalez remained in San Diego. How much longer will that remain the case?

The Padres want to get the best value for Gonzalez but could short themselves trading too soon. Considered one of the most underrated players in baseball, Gonzalez more than earns his current salary and more importantly, he fills seats in a stadium struggling to do so.

While new majority owner, Jeff Moorad has indicated he would like to bring the Padres payroll back up to the $70's, it is likely that the 2010 payroll will remain in the 40's. Gonzalez's contract, bringing him $4.75 in 2010, is still very affordable considering he is a two-time All-Star and two-time gold glove winner.

The Padres have an option to keep Gonzalez in 2011 for $5.5, but if he keeps performing as well as this past year, Gonzalez will likely price himself out of the San Diego market. On the other hand, the greater Gonzalez's value, the more the Padres can receive in return if they hold off just a little longer.