ESPN is reporting that the
Red Sox have agreed in principle to trade prospects
Hanley Ramirez,
Anibal Sanchez, and a player to be named later to the
Florida Marlins in exchange for ace pitcher
Josh Beckett and third baseman
Mike Lowell. While the deal is complete (pending physicals), an official announcement is not immediately expected. The PTBNL is said to be a mid-level pitching prospect, with some reports citing the player as reliever
Jesus Delgado. Beckett, the former World Series MVP, figures to be slotted at the top of Boston's rotation along with
Curt Schilling. Gold-Glove third-baseman
Mike Lowell, who had an off year at the plate in 2005, would likely start at 3B for Boston in 2006, but also could see some time at 1B. There is also some speculation that Lowell could be spun to the Twins for some bullpen help.
