First, the Sox would have to satisfy the Padres’ demands. It stands to reason the Padres would want two of the team’s three best young arms - Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Justin Masterson - plus another position player.

If the Sox were to include highly regarded first baseman Lars Anderson in a package with two of their best pitching prospects, talks between the clubs would certainly become interesting. But officials with other clubs believe the Sox consider Anderson to be virtually untouchable.