Red Sox Trade Rumors: Hanley Ramirez to Boston?

Ben Cherington has been given the go ahead from the three-headed ownership monster to make a “bold” move or a big splash at this year’s trading deadline.  Will it be enough to save the Red Sox and compete for a Wild Card?  That’s another discussion for a later article.  For now, we’ll focus on the potential blockbuster deal that the Red Sox have been tied to and that’s acquiring Hanley Ramirez of the Miami Marlins.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Marlins are aggressively trying to move the former Sox prospect who appears to be unhappy under new manager, Ozzie Guillen.  Cafardo goes on to write that the Red Sox are indeed listening to the Marlins offers to unload Ramirez and that the fish have never been more open to moving the now third baseman.

Ramirez was linked to the Red Sox last week in a package that included closer Heath Bell for Carl Crawford.  Multiple main stream sources said the rumors were dead in the water as quickly as they started, but the truth remains that Ramirez is being shopped with Boston appearing to be at the top of the Marlins speed dial.

Ramirez won’t come cheap given his salary obligation of $15.5MM and $16MM for the 2013-14 season, begging the question as to who the Red Sox would look at unloading in order to accommodate the hefty paycheck.

While Carl Crawford could be on the verge of proving to be a $142 million dollar bust, it would be a miracle if Cherington could get out from that paralyzing contract.  Miami proved this off season they have the money to attack the free-agent market and could very well be in position to take on Crawford’s bloated salary.

Josh Beckett coincidentally is set to make $15.75MM each year for the next two years but nothing has been rumored as to whether Beckett’s name has surfaced in trade talks.  The right-hander does have the 10 and 5 rule in his favor, meaning he can veto any trade that he doesn’t approve.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the asking price for Ramirez is reasonable and the fish want quality, young pieces in return. Doesn’t everyone?

Acquiring Ramirez would not fix the major issue with the Red Sox – starting pitching.  More on that tomorrow as we’ll examine any deal other than a pitcher would be ludicrous for the Sox to make.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports via Twitter that the Oakland A’s and Toronto Blue Jays are also interested in the former shortstop and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the Dodgers could also become involved as they continue to look for infield help.

However, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston hears that the Red Sox are not in on the Marlins infielder.