Is The Trade Close To Complete?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly told the Tampa Bay Rays that Jason Bay is likely going somewhere else. This is a good sign that a deal maybe close between the Marlins, Pirates and Red Sox.

It has been reported that the major pieces of the trade are in place and the remaining obstacle is the prospects involved that Pittsburgh would receive.

It is also reported that Manny Ramirez officially consented to being traded to Florida this morning which would be the final piece to a deal being done. With Manny agreeing and Pittsburgh telling Tampa Bay that Bay is likely going elsewhere we may be at the point where the trade is on the commissioners desk for approval, Bud Selig must approve the trade because of the amount of cash being sent to Florida.

UPDATE 12:53 PM
And just like that the deal maybe dead. Peter Gammons is reporting Florida now wants more cash beyond the $7 million still owed this year and wants Boston to give them two prospects.