Boston - The
Red Sox acquired top
Atlanta prospect
Andy Marte in exchange for
Edgar Renteria and cash on Thursday. Marte, 22, could be Boston's third baseman for years to come. However, it is anticipated that he will begin 2006 in Pawtucket unless Boston can find a suitor for
Mike Lowell. Some insiders have also rumored that Marte could immediately be spun for outfield or shortstop help. Marte hit 20 home runs for AAA Richmond in 2005 in under 400 at-bats, but struggled was unable to show his full potential during his September call-up. Nonetheless, Atlanta's former top prosect now fills out the space at the top of Boston's prospect list. With an above average glove and high power potential, Marte is a true blue chip prospect, who many scouts see as a future all-star.
