Wells to San Diego?

ESPN and Buster Olney are reporting that San Diego is close to acquiring David Wells for George Kottaras.

Kottaras is a bigger chip than that and Wells is “damaged goods.” I have a hard time believing Alderson/Towers/DePodesta would trade a catcher with Kottaras’ on-base skills for a one-month 43yr old rental pitcher who’s had serious knee problems both this year and in the past…

Here’s what Olney had to say:

Wells is from San Diego and has pitched for the Padres in the past, and it may be best for all parties that he winds up going where he wants to go, because there is the possibility that at age 43, Wells would simply retire if he didn't like the team to which he was traded.

Kottaras is playing for Triple-A Portland, where he is hitting .233 with two homers and 13 RBI. The Red Sox organization is in need of catching, and Kottaras has a reputation as a solid defender.

So Wells wants to go to SD and if he doesn’t get his way he may retire… It sounds like San Diego wouldn’t have to give up much to get him. Now we know the Padres are willing to trade Kottaras, the Padres #2 prospect according to Baseball America. But he is the Padres’ best trading chip. I would expect Kottaras to fetch someone like Ensberg or Fields or Marte in the off-season. As we said, it’s unlikely the Padres would have to spend that much to get David Wells.

Two more things: one, when has Kottaras ever been heralded as a “solid defender?” However, two, if Boston is looking at acquiring catching help, Nick Hundley could be a candidate.

Of note: both Kottaras and Hundley were held out of action on Wednesday night.