ORLANDO, Fla. -- Any Boston deal with Seattle for Manny Ramirez likely would revolve around a package that includes Mariners' closer J.J. Putz, a source with knowledge of Boston's plans told CBS SportsLine.com on Monday.
The Red Sox do not have a closer after deciding to move Jonathan Papelbon into their 2007 rotation. The revelation that they are demanding Putz from the Mariners is an indication that Boston general manager Theo Epstein has determined that the Red Sox not only would need to fill left field if he deals Ramirez, but that trading Manny might be the surest way to obtain a top-shelf closer.
In talks with Los Angeles late Sunday night, top Dodgers pitching prospect Jonathan R. Broxton was among the players Boston wanted included in the package it was to receive for Ramirez, according to sources. In 68 appearances for the Dodgers last season -- all in relief -- Broxton went 4-1 with a 2.59 ERA and three saves in seven opportunities. Broxton has a power arm that many scouts think would be suitable for the closer's role one day.
Boston also asked for Dodgers outfield prospect Matt Kemp, a power bat who could play left field.
Any swap between Seattle and Boston -- and the Red Sox were nowhere close to a deal with anybody as of late Monday -- obviously would be expanded beyond a simple Ramirez-for-Putz deal.
The Mariners, according to sources, were listening to inquiries on both first baseman Richie Sexson and third baseman Adrian Beltre, a couple of high-salaried corner infielders whose on-field values haven't matched the dollars since signing with the Mariners before the 2005 season.
At least one of them would almost certainly be packaged with Putz to Boston if the Mariners were to absorb Ramirez's $38 million in salary over the next two seasons (plus, they would almost certainly have to agree to pick up $40 million worth of options for Ramirez for the 2009 and 2010 seasons).
Sexson is owed $28 million in salary over the next two seasons; Beltre is owed about $35 million over the next three seasons.
The Red Sox spoke with several clubs throughout the day Monday to see if there was a fit with Ramirez. Aside from the Dodgers and Mariners, it is believed that they spoke with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as well.
However, even if the Red Sox overcome all odds and find a willing partner to fork over a huge haul for the slugger, there is another significant obstacle who could unravel everything even after it's seemingly put together: Ramirez has no-trade powers, and there is absolutely no predicting which whim will take him in which direction if he is asked to approve a deal.
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