The Red Sox have reportedly sent prospects Hanley Ramirez, Anibel Sanchez, and Jesus Delgado for 25 year old righty Josh Beckett and veteran third baseman Mike Lowell.
Beckett went 15-8 last year with 2 CGs, 1 shutout, 178.2 IP, 166 Ks, and a 3.38 ERA. He is 41-34 in his career. He is a young pitcher that has potential to be something special. If he cana djust to the AL and Fenway Park he could be a potential 20 game winner down the line. Beckett is perhaps best known for his 2003 World Series MVP. In Game 6, he pitched a shutout in Yankee Stadium to clinch the Series.
Mike Lowell is essentially a salary dump for the Marlins. He is going to get paid $18M over the next 2 years. However, in years past he has hit well. Before last season, he had 5 seasons of 85 RBI or more. In Fenway Park, he could benefit greatly. He could be a .280-25-90 type of guy which is pretty good production. Furthermore, he won the Gold Glove at third base last year.
The Red Sox will be giving up some nice prospects. All we'v heard about for the past few years is how amazing Hanley Ramirez is going to be. Hanley struggled in AA Portland last season but his athleticism is very impressive. He still would have had at least one season in AAA.
Anibel Sanchez is another AA prospect who probably would have started 2006 in Portland. He still has a great deal of potential. He's only 21 years old. He went 6-1 for A Wilmington but went 3-5 for AA Portland.
Jesus Delgado is a 21 year old A prospect. He had Tommy John surgery a few years ago and has stuck around the A level. He had a decent season with Greanville last year going 7-3 with a 3.50 ERA.
I think this is a good trade for the Red Sox. It is still pending physicals, but it will probably be announced soon. The Sox needed some youth in their rotation. Lowell provides a short term solution for third base. Lowell also means that Youkilis will probably see time at first-base unless the Sox make another deal or signing for a first baseman.
