BREAKING: RAMIREZ TRADED

Details forthcoming UPDATE 4:28 PM Waiting for details but reports are that Manny has been traded to the Dodgers, this came moments after reports of a trade between Pittsburgh and the Dodgers for Jason Bay. We maybe looking at a deal where the Dodgers sent Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier to the Pirates for Bay and then turned Bay to Boston for Ramirez, that's just speculation on my part but we should know details soon. UPDATE 4:32 PM As speculated above Boston gets Jason Bay and the Dodgers get Ramirez while Pittsburgh gets four prospects, this again signals that the Marlins were to blame for the earlier three-way deal collapsing. The deal was reportedly made moments before the deadline. UPDATE 4:40 PM Boston reportedly sends Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen to Pittsbugh as part of the deal, Pittsburgh also gets Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris from the Dodgers. UPDATE 5:00 PM With what Boston gave up and the fact they are still paying the entire remaining portion of Manny's contract, I wonder if they also get John Grabow in the deal, guess we wait until the official announcement.

Deal Dead

The three-way trade between Boston, Florida and Pittsburgh is dead and the Marlins are blaming the Pirates and the Pirates are blaming the Marlins, meantime the Sox are unhappy with both teams. UPDATE 1:40 PM Just over an hour ago a source with the Pirates indicated they were happy with their take and ceased negotiations with other teams on a Bay deal. This along with the report that Florida wanted more cash and multiple prospects from Boston along with Ramirez would indicate Florida is the most to blame if not entirely to blame for the deal collapsing. UPDATE 1:56 PM The Marlins may have also been on target to get the catching they need in this trade as Ronny Paulino's name was being mentioned early this afternoon. UPDATE 2:21 PM Is this deal a cat? It appears it may have nine lives. From the Boston Globes Gordon Edes; Less than 2 hours before the trading deadline, the Red Sox were still trying to make this 3-way deal with the Pirates and Marlins work, but as one source said, "They're not going to be stupid about it." Edes adds that within the past 10 minutes an industry source has told him negotiations are likely to go down to the last minutes of the deadline. The sticking point maybe the Marlins demanding multiple prospects from Boston along with Manny and the cash. Nick Cafardo adds Reports are beginning to surface that the three-way deal for Manny Ramirez is dead or close to dead, but I’m not buying it. The same snags exist now that existed this morning, and there’s still time to work them out before the 4 p.m. deadline. UPDATE 3:18 PM Jason Bay has been traded to Tampa Bay meaning the three-team deal between Boston, Florida and Pittsburgh is officially dead. Boston has been talking to the Dodgers and those talks may heat up very quickly now if they haven't already. UPDATE 3:45 PM MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says the Tampa Bay/Pittsburgh deal is NOT DONE. UPDATE 3:55 PM The waiting game is about to begin. While the trade deadline passes deals that are made that may not be announced immediately, should there be no announcement at 4:00 PM doesn't mean no deal was made by Boston.

Sox, Yanks Chasing Scott Eyre?

Jayson Stark is reporting Boston and New York are both vying for the Cubs Scott Eyre.

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.

Red Sox And Marlins Talking Manny

The Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins are in serious discussions tonight on a deal that would send Manny Ramirez and a boatload of cash to the Marlins in exchange for three players. Boston would likely get either Josh Willingham or Jeremy Hermida along with two other players, in exchange Boston likely would pay the remaining balance of Manny's 2008 contract. Under that scenario this would appear to be a legit discussion on Florida's part as they have shown in the past to go for it all and then come back the following year with a sub par roster. UPDATE 7:00 PM Deal imminent? There's now reports that a deal is close, in the return Boston would get 18-year old Michael Stanton. UPDATE 7:31 PM New twist, a deal is being discussed that would send Ramirez to Florida, Jason Bay to Boston and Jeremy Hermida to Pittsburgh. Boston would likely still get at least a prospect since they will be paying the $7 million still owed Ramirez. UPDATE 8:24 PM Manny Ramirez has opened his big mouth again. From Boston.com Manny Ramirez had another phone conversation with Enrique Rojas, a reporter for ESPNDeportes, and took more shots at the Sox in an apparent effort to force a trade."They haven't asked me for anything," Ramirez was quoted as saying in response to whether the Sox had asked his permission to trade him. "The Red Sox don't deserve a player like me," Ramirez said. "During my years here I've seen how they [the Red Sox] have mistreated other great players when they didn't want them to try to turn the fans against them. "The Red Sox did the same with guys like Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez, and now they do the same with me. Their goal is to paint me as the bad guy. I love Boston fans, but the Red Sox don't deserve me. I'm not talking about money. Mental peace has no price and I don't have peace here." The Sox brass, including ownership, met today to discuss a possible Manny deal. Coming out of that meeting, the belief was that there was only a slim chance of something happening, but they are still talking to clubs, especially the Marlins, so stay tuned.'' UPDATE 9:36 PM The three-way deal is starting to take shape. Several have checked in and a recap from MLBTradeRumors.com tells us that both Boston and Florida are likely to send prospects to Pittsburgh, Boston gets Jason Bay while Florida gets Manny Ramirez. John Grabow could end up in either Boston or Florida and the Sox may include Jed Lowrie to Pittsburgh to obtain Jack Wilson in the deal. Hermida would also go to Pittsburgh. Folks this is starting to turn into a blockbuster. UPDATE 10:02 PM Deal is nearly done just finalizing the prospects involved. The Commsioners office has been notified of specifics and need to approve the deal because of the level of cash Boston will send to Florida. Marlins get Manny Ramirez, one prospect (BOS), and cash (likely Ramirez’s remaining salary) Pirates get Jeremy Hermida and three prospects (two FLO, one BOS) Red Sox get Jason Bay and John Grabow

Mets Have Interest In Ramirez

Official from the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox have both confirmed talks have been made between the clubs on Manny Ramirez. While the Mets have been reluctant to offer top prospects for Adam Dunn, Randy Winn and Raul Ibanez they view Ramirez as a superior hitter and would discuss players in a Ramirez trade that they wouldn't in others. UPDATE 3:00 PM The Dodgers are apparently are showing interest with Boston for Manny Ramirez. They don't want to add payroll so they maybe asking Boston to pay a large part of whats left on his 2008 salary which would mean they would have to give up more to acquire him. Jon Heyman speculates Boston could use this deal to acquire young talent and then turn them around to Atlanta for Mark Teixeira. UPDATE 3:51 PM The Dodgers have moved to the lead in the race for Manny Ramirez according to the New York Post, the Red Sox would pay most of the remaining $7 million owed to Ramirez while Boston would acquire someone along the lines of Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. Boston is then expected to move that player in a deal for Mark Teixeira. Should Boston make both deals Kevin Youkilis would likely become the Red Sox leftfielder while Teixeira plays first. UPDATE 6:05 PM The Red Sox won't be making a deal for Mark Teixeira, but they should see him tomorrow as the Angels have sent Casey Kotchman to the Braves for Tex. The Dodgers are also denying any interest in Manny Ramirez. UPDATE 8:04 PM The Red Sox are still in talks to trade Ramirez with Philadelphia viewed as the leading candidate. The Dodgers and Marlins are also talking with Boston. Jon Heyman suggests Pat Burrell maybe the player Boston gets in return so one would think theres more to it then a one for one swap as the two players have about the same offensive output. Burrell is one of the leading targets for Boston this offseason should they decline Manny's option.

Red Sox Looking At Tejada, May Have Offer In For Teixeira

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly in talks with the Houston Astros for Miguel Tejada. ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas reports that according to one source talks have just begun while a separate source says discussions have been on going for some time. Tejada said today in an interview "I feel good in Houston, but I wouldn't be afraid to accept the challenge of playing in Boston." Meantime the Atlanta Braves are reportedly going over multiple offers for Mark Teixeira and Boston could be one of the teams with an offer in for him. Other teams who are thought to be interested are Arizona, Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Angels. UPDATE 2:50AM The Red Sox are denying any interest in Miguel Tejada. The Red Sox maybe interested in Astro reliever Geoff Geary though with the Astros apparently looking to add a reliver they maybe unlikely to deal Geary.

Red Sox Will Attempt Trade For Ramirez

Theo Epstein has told Tim McCarver that if Manny Ramirez is willing to waive his no trade clause, the Red Sox will attempt to trade him. This really doesn't come as a surprise as Red Sox management is very upset with Ramirez over the past couple weeks and his most recent episode has all but guaranteed he won't return next year. The most likly landing spot for Ramirez in a trade is the New York Mets who have had interest in him in the past, the Mets are also in need of a corner outfielder. They would have him for two more years if they pick up his options.

Ortiz Could Have Season Ending Surgery

The Boston Herald is reporting that season ending surgery could be a real possibility for David Ortiz if it doesn't heal while in a cast for the next month. Should Ortiz have to have surgery, Boston will be left with a huge hole in their lineup. They will likely need to find someone on the trade market which could require giving up a combination of Jed Lowrie, Jon Lester or Justin Masterson, all of whom have raised their value in the opening months of the 2008 season. Who could Boston look at as replacements? Barry Bonds would immediately enter discussions and while he would come without losing prospects, he would be unlikely to land in Boston. Mark Teixeira will be a name mentioned often and Boston has the talent to pry him away from Atlanta, but Boston would need to get him signed to an extension as part of a deal or they wont give up the names needed to land him. Jim Thome will also be a free agent at seasons end and could probably be had for less the Teixeira and Chicago may look to move him especially if they begin to falter in the Central. They could try options within the system possibly with Chris Carter who has a decent bat, but is labeled a DH type who was blocked by Ortiz at the major league level. He started off slowly power wise but has come on of late. Boston could also recall Brandon Moss and use a combination of Moss, Coco Crisp, Jacoby Ellsbury and JD Drew in the outfield while putting Manny Ramirez at designated hitter while Manny is out.

Sox Still Interested In Aquiring A's Starters

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are still interested in trading for Joe Blanton or Rich Harden. The Red Sox have been discussing deals for Coco Crisp this spring and apparently have been talking up Brandon Moss too. The Herald also suggests they maybe willing to move Justin Masterson aswell in a deal for an established starter. UPDATE: I incorrectly named Dan Haren earlier, of course he was already traded this offseason, it should have been Rich Harden.

Red Sox Aquire Reliever

The Boston Red Sox have aquired David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox for Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.

Globe: Deal For Pena Close With NL Team

From The Buzz on Boston.com... The Globe's Gordon Edes reported there were indications Monday night the Sox were closing in on a deal with a National League team for Wily Mo Pena, but they still had some work to do before anything was consummated, and they had not informed Bobby Kielty of an impending move. Stay tuned we could see Pena moved soon. Kielty can also option out very soon too so a deal needs to be made if they hope to hang onto Kielty.

Boston Lands Gagne?

The Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers have agreed on terms of a trade for Eric Gagne. As part of the deal Boston has agreed to go with a co-closer scenario in the bullpen where Gagne and Jonathan Papelbon will share the closers job. Boston gives up Kason Gabbard and prospects in the deal. Its likely that one of the prospects is either David Murphy or Brandon Moss to fill the Rangers need for a center fielder. Gagne must approve the deal before its finalized. **UPDATE** Engel Beltre is part of the deal, he joins Gabbard and David Murphy in the group going to Texas. Boston is working with Gagne now to get him to waive his no trade clause. 3:12PM WEEI reporting the deal is done.

And Down The Stretch They Come...

Here we are, just hours from the trade deadline and Boston looking to make some serious noise. Lets start with a somewhat quiet move. Boston sent Joel Pinero to St. Louis for a player to be named. Now for the big talk. According to various sources, Boston has the best offers on the table for both Jermaine Dye and Eric Gagne. We know that Boston wasn't so willing to include Manny Delcarmen or Justin Masterson in the Dye deal last night as the talk cooled, we now know that Boston has offered a revised offer that Chicago is seriously considering. Wily Mo Pena would likely remain the centerpiece of the deal but who else is in it? Perhaps Craig Hansen? In their pursuit of Gagne Boston maybe considering paying the full incetives on Gagne's contract to persuade him to waive his no trade clause to the Sox. Gagne is due upto $5 million this season in incetives based on games finished.

Jermaine Dye Deal Imminent?

A Major League source is saying a deal between Boston and Chicago for Jermaine Dye happening is very good. The source also says that in the deal Boston would give up Wily Mo Pena and a minor league pitching prospect. The source added the prospect isn't Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester. That would leave the two most likely names being Michael Bowden or Justin Masterson. This would clearly show that the prices are indeed coming down as the deadline approaches. Dye would most likely be a rental player for Boston, but they would pick up two draft choices this winter when he signed elsewhere. Though Boston could try resigning him and dealing Manny Ramirez during the offseason.

What Is The Cost Of Doing A Deal At The Deadline?

A soruce within Major League Baseball has said the deal Boston was working on for Jermaine Dye that would have included a third team would have had to include Boston giving up Hideki Okajima, Boston was not willing to do that and the deal fell apart. Boston has several appealing players who they would move in the right deal such as Wily Mo Pena and Coco Crisp from the big league roster, though Crisp's availability probably depends on the seriousness of Jacoby Ellsbury's groin strain. The Sox also have David Murphy and Brandon Moss who could be moved before the deadline. Most teams however want some combination of Ellsbury and/or Clay Buchholz to make a deal. Even Tampa Bay for Ty Wiggington was asking for Justin Masterson. Boston in all liklihood will pull off a minor deal or two but wont be able to land a big name player with the reluctance to deal the top kids on the farm.

Red Sox Eye Buehrle; Chi Sox Like Buchholz, Ellsbury

The Boston Red Sox have emerged as front runners to land Chicago starter Mark Buehrle. Boston is reportedly willing to sign him to a 5-year contract extension as part of the deal. With Jon Lester just about ready to return to Boston, the sudden interest and Boston's surge to the front runner status on Buehrle could indicate that Curt Schilling maybe out for more the a start or two and a extension for Buehrle as part of the deal will likely end Schilling's stay in Boston after this season. However what Chicago is looking at in return should take Boston away from the table as soon as Chicago places names on the table. Among the players Chicago would like to see in return are Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury, the top pitching and position prospects in Boston's system. But why should Boston give up so much to land a player who will be a free agent after this season? They shouldn't. At least seven teams have made serious contact with Williams, with three actually having the resources to pry Buehrle from the White Sox. The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets were the leading contenders until this weekend, with the Boston Red Sox now becoming the front-runner. While Williams wouldn't acknowledge that Saturday, he didn't have to. Allard Baird, the Red Sox' assistant to the general manager, was in town Friday to watch the White Sox' loss to the Cubs -- in which Buehrle started -- and reportedly was to be sent out on assignment only when things were about to get serious. They're getting serious. According to the source, the Red Sox not only want to keep Buehrle away from the New York Yankees and are willing to offer him a contract extension in the five-year range he is seeking, but they have a farm system loaded with players in whom the White Sox are interested. Starting pitchers Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden are on the White Sox' radar, as well as speedy outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and shortstop Jed Lowrie. Chicago's price would seem to be to steep for Boston, who walked away from the table with Atlanta last year after the Braves mentioned Craig Hansen and Manny Delcarmen, two lesser prospects for Andruw Jones who wasn't a pending free agent, it would seem doubtful Boston would give up its two best prospects for a pending free agent. If Boston can finish the deal prior to the trade deadline they should ask for a window to negotiate with Buehrle before a deal is finalized and if they can lock him up long term then I could favor a deal including Wily Mo Pena, Coco Crisp, Brandon Moss or David Murphy and possibly some of the midlevel pitching prospects but not Ellsbury or Buchholz. Chicago is said to be thinking of moving Jermaine Dye and they also have Darrin Erstad in their outfield, so adding one or two of the young Sox outfielders could be beneficial to Chicago, especially if they targeted a Buehrle for Pena and Moss deal which would give Chicago two guys with a lot of power potential. Crisp would give them a bargain price speedster who's bat has finally begun to come around. Click here for the complete story from the Chicago Sun Times

The Fun Leading Upto The Trade Deadline

In NASCAR they call it Silly Season and some of the names being tossed around as targets fans want Boston going after before the July 31 trade deadline makes you wonder if MLB should call it the same thing. Torri Hunter? Ichiro Suzuki? Some fans want both of them in the lineup this summer and beyond. Sure that would be great, but we need to think ahead. The Sox only have three outfield positions and JD Drew is locked very expensively into one of them for the foreseeable future. Coco Crisp surely doesn't have a secure job, but who exactly would you rather have roaming center long term, an aging Ichiro, a similarly aging Hunter or the hot prospect in Pawtucket Jacoby Ellsbury? If one single Sox fans says anything other then Ellsbury, smack yourself now because you deserve it. Then of course there's Manny Ramirez. Hunter could be a decent replacement for Boston who should have no problem unloading Ramirez anytime they so feel it is time. However Hunter doesn't strike the fear that Manny does at the plate, he doesn't walk as much as one would like and most importantly his OBP numbers don't meet the standards the Sox front office likes, his career high was .337 last season and he's more likely to finish a season closer to .300 then .350 on any give year. Manny's worst OBP season with Boston was .388 in 2005 and he's more likely to be over .400 then not. Other names we hear are Mark Teixeira the first baseman from Texas, his OBP number more reflect what Boston looks for and his power could help Boston unload Ramirez and go with a lighter hitting outfielder without harming the total offense of the team. If Boston landed Teixeira they would likely move Kevin Youkilis back to third base and that would lead to the end of Mike Lowell's sucessful stay in Boston. Lowell of course is highly sought after by numerous teams looking for a bat at third and a deadline deal is more likely to involve Lowell then any other player on the Sox major league roster. Playing General Manager What moves would I make if I were the General Manager? First as much as I like Mike Lowell I would move him if I could land Teixeira, thats an easy move. Second I would go after Alex Rodriguez in the off season, not to would be the most idiotic move any GM with money to spend could do. Assuming I land Rodriguez and Teixeira I would send Manny packing to offset some of the cost, assuming Rodriguez gets around $24 million per season in his next deal and that it would take $12 million to lock Teixeira up for a few years that would be about a $7 million increase in payroll after deducting Lowell and Ramirez. Curt Schilling becomes the next casualty as I would not re-sign him after this season, that's another $13 million in savings leaving me $6 million under the 2007 payroll. To replace Schilling I go out and find a closer to take over for Jonathan Papelbon in 2008, though if I cant find one its not a big deal as Hideki Okajima can be a very effective bridge until 2009 when Craig Hansen or Manny Delcarmen among others should totally be ready to take the job...that's even more savings. I'm now looking to enter 2008 with a rotation of Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield. The next victim to fall will be Coco Crisp, I will pay someone to take him if I have to though someone surely would take him for a mid level prospect. His stay in Boston thus far has been a huge disappointment. Jacoby Ellsbury is the future in center field and the future is now. At this point most of you are probably pissed demanding to know why I cut Youkilis outta the equation. Don't fear, our favorite speedster is still with us, remember then lighter hitting outfielder I mentioned? Ladies and Gentlemen, your new left fielder... Kevin Youkilis. This leaves us with a Youkilis, Ellsbury, Drew outfield from left to right. A speedster sandwiched with two usually reliable OBP bats. At this point attention is turned to Wily Mo Pena. What to do with him? I love his potential but there's just no room for him and his bat has too big a whole to be an effective pinch hitter, so Pena becomes my latest trade chip. You hope to land a top level prospect for someone like Pena, someone who can be an important part of the team in the future. I would look for pitching, perhaps a middle reliever or a middle infielder who would be ready when Julio Lugo either finishes his contract in Boston or is forced into retirement by a legion of pissed off Sox fans. This leaves Boston in a great position in 2008 assuming some of the kids in Pawtucket are ready to step in the bullpen. If not there's a few spots there that would need to be answered as well, but I wish to assume Delcarmen and Hansen are ready to step in. If Clay Buchholz is ready in 2008 great he can take Wakefields spot sending Wakefield to the pen. If he needs another year in the minors thats fine too.

Sox Promote Jacoby Ellsbury

The Boston Red Sox today promoted Jacoby Ellsbury from Portland to Pawtucket. The move was expected after Ellsbury tore apart AA pitchers in the first month of the season with a minor league baseball high .452 average. Ellsbury's stop in Pawtucket could be brief or extended til September depending on what the Red Sox do in terms of trades in July. Ellsbury has stolen 8 bases and has a .644 slugging percent despite no HRs yet this season. He has 10 doubles and two triples in 73 at bats. His OBP was .518. More after the jump. Boston could of course revisit the Todd Helton talks as a lot has changed since Spring Training. Craig Hansen signed a major league contract when he was drafted and is now in the third year of the four year deal. Boston has Jonathan Papelbon back in the closers spot and Bryson Cox is performing well in the minors since being drafted last season. This makes Hansen expendable. One deal Boston could look at is unloading Hansen along with Coco Crisp and Mike Lowell for Helton. Crisp comes at a rather good deal and Lowell would come off Colorado's books at seasons end. If Boston pulled this deal off that would open a spot immediately for Ellsbury in Boston.