From the Boston Globe’s Jeff Horrigan.

A frustrated David Wells has been telling friends that he has no intention of returning to play for the Red Sox, but club management is offering no guarantees that the left-handed pitcher will be traded during the up-coming winter meetings in Dallas.

Wells (above), who went 15-7 in 30 starts (and also left three games with leads subsequently blown by the bullpen), has another year on his contract but the 42-year-old felt uncomfortable with his lack of privacy in Boston and has asked to be traded closer to his native San Diego. It was believed that the Sox discussed a deal with the Padres prior to former general manager Theo Epstein™s Halloween departure, but Wells has become frustrated by the apparent lack of progress. Boston was believed to be discussing a swap for outfielder Dave Roberts and/or relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka.

If nothing is resolved before spring training, Wells has told friends that he definitely will not be reporting to the Sox. If a trade with the Padres (for whom he went 12-8 in 2004) can™t be worked out, he would be happy with the San Francisco Giants. Wells does not want to remain in the American League.

You’re probably as shocked as I am. David Wells has friends?