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.

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 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.

Ramirez Has Signed Ticket Out Of Boston

Theo Epstein's job for the next week has just gotten a little harder. Already on a mission to land a relief pitcher to help turn around the bullpen, Epstein must now focus time on attempts to land a power hitting outfielder. Manny Ramirez has all but secured his exit from Boston possibly before seasons end. Should Boston be able to land a bat before the July 31 trade deadline Ramirez will likely be placed on waivers in hopes that someone will claim him and rid Boston of the player and the remainder of his 2008 salary. Should no team bite, Boston would likely then just release him and pay the remainder of his salary due. Ramirez already faces suspension from the team if he refuses to play Saturday. Names that will be the target of many discussions over the next several days will be Matt Holliday, Jason Bay and possibly even Adam Dunn. Boston could also go in house and callup Chris Carter. The could also make a run for Mark Teixeira and move Kevin Youkilis to left.

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.

500

Manny Ramirez became the 24th player in major league history to record 500 career homeruns. The shot came on the first pitch from Baltimore reliver Chad Bradford.

Don't Worry, Jon Lester Will Be All Right

Jon Lester returned to Boston in grand fashion tonight with a performance that should draw millions of Sox fans off the ledges of bridges from Maine to San Diego. Lester pitched seven strong innings allowing just two hits and a single run that was scored on a sacrafice fly. For most of the night it looked as though Boston would squander another solid performance by a starter trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth. Manny Ramirez led off the ninth with a strike out, Mike Lowell followed him with a solo home run to tie the game and atleast guarantee extra innings. That however was not needed because after Kevin Youkilis struck out Jason Varitek doubled and was singled home by Coco Crisp for the game winner. Eric Gagne worked a solid ninth inning for the win, he struck out the side around a two-out double by Brendan Harris. With New Yorks loss Boston extended their American League East lead to five games. And here is the rest of it.

CNNSI Goes Dream Teaming

CNNSI writer Tom Verducci today picked his All-Time, Current and Futures Dream Teams and a number of Red Sox players are present. There however are some notable Sox stars missing. The All Time team is loaded with some of the greatest players to ever step on a field. Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Lefty Grove, Ted Williams and Roger Clemens all make the list. You really can't argue when it comes to the all time list as most of the best to ever play are represented. For the complete All-Time roster click here. All-Current Team Manny Ramirez is the lone Red Sox player on this list. The list doesn't include a designated hitter which it probably should, thus David Ortiz isn't considered. For the complete All-Current roster click here. All-Futures Team This is the one where we run into trouble. The name isn't what it seems as all but a handful of players on here are MLB stars already. The basis of the list is to build a team consisting of players who will lead a team for the next five years while being in their prime. Only Clay Buchholz appears on this list for Boston. That's right, the man who is considered the best reliever in baseball today is absent from the list. Jonathan Papelbon couldn't even be tabbed for a bullpen slot away from closer because it's loaded with starters who couldn't crack to rotation. Los Angeles closer Francisco Rodriguez got the closer nod. For the complete All-Futures team click here.

Meet Your 2007 All Stars

Josh Beckett SP After a dismal debut season with the Boston Red Sox in 2006, Josh Beckett came out on an impressive run this season. Beckett leads the team in wins while posting a 3.38 ERA. His 83 strike outs is second to rookie Daisuke Matsuzaka. Beckett sits at 11-2 and will pitch once more before the All Star game which he could start. The most impressive stat for Beckett this year, which has led to his remarkable season is that he has allowed just 6 homeruns. Mike Lowell 3B Rewarded with a strong first half, Mike Lowell was named as a reserve to the All Star team. His 55 RBI leads the team. He's second on the team with 12 homeruns while batting .297 Lowell who came over in the trade with Beckett was long considered a throw-in, a take him or no deal kind of thing. Boy what a throw-in he has been for Boston. This is Lowell's fourth All Star selection having been a member of the National League team from 2002-04. David Ortiz 1B With the game being played in a National League park this season there was no DH on the ballot, thus David Ortiz appeared as a first baseman, and he walked away in the voting. Ortiz has had a down year in the power category, but is still having a great season. He leads the Red Sox in homeruns with 13 and doubles with 27. He's also batting .314 and has 49 RBI. This is his fourth consecutive selection to the American League All Star team. Jonathan Papelbon Closer Picking up where he left of last season, Jonathan Papelbon is again one of the best closers in baseball. He of course leads the team in saves with 19 in 20 chances. He leads Sox relievers in strikeouts with 42 in 30 innings and one would expect he be leading the relievers in ERA as well, but he's not. A 1.50 ERA is fabulous but good for just second among Sox relievers. Manny Ramirez OF Manny being Manny, boy do Red Sox fans love it. Ramirez has had a slow start but he is finally hitting the ball better, and Sox fans hope the power isn't far off. Combined with Ortiz, Ramirez is part of what is one of the most feared hitting duo's in baseball. When there on, the middle of the Sox order is one tough place for a pitcher to navigate through untouched. American League pitchers know they have had it easy thus far with Ramirez hitting just 11 homeruns, and American League East opponents fear whats going to happen to them when Ortiz and Ramirez are hitting like they usually do considering Boston has built a 10 game lead without their power. The wake up could occur as soon as this week when Boston open its first series of the season against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

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.

Manny Loving Julian

Great video, and Remy or Orsillo can't stop laughing

Manny On His Way Out?

The thought of Manny Ramirez being traded seemed dead last night, but according to several sources events today could have reignited talks between Boston and Los Angelas. According to ESPN Deportes a deal could be announced today. The Dodgers signed Jason Schmidt to a 3 year deal valued at $47 million. The signing of Schmidt now gives the Dodgers a surplus of pitching and opens the door to a deal centered around a young starter such as Brad Penny. Boston would be looking for additional talent and have been interested in James Loney a first baseman and Andy LaRoche a third baseman. If able to complete this trade getting Penny and either Loney or LaRoche it would enable Boston to take about $30 million off its 2007 payroll ($20 million for Ramirez and $9 million for Lowell who would presumably be dealt to make room for either Loney or LaRoche. Kevin Youkilis plays both positions and would play in the open spot.) As of right now the Boston payroll is at about $137 million, by taking the $30 million off the books it opens up the room Boston has to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka without worrying about the luxary tax. Boston also has interest in reliver Jonathan Broxton and Boston would certainly be interested in him being part of the deal. After the signing of J.D. Drew Tuesday, Ramirez became more expendible with the Red Sox having Coco Crisp, Wily Mo Pena, Drew, Ramirez and Eric Hinske under contract next season.