The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Wed, Dec 31st 2008, 12:00

SI.com: Red Sox made play for SS Ramirez

At one point this winter, the Red Sox made a play to re-acquire Marlins superstar Hanley Ramirez, league sources tell SI.com. But while the Marlins listened to Boston’s overtures, talks were quickly scuttled and it appears there’s very little chance they will be revived as Florida isn’t anxious to trade its best player.

The Marlins were said to be most interested in a centerfielder, and it’s believed Boston’s promising young centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and talented pitching prospect Clay Buchholz were among those mentioned in a potential package for Ramirez, who began in Boston’s organization before being traded to the Marlins after the 2005 season in the deal that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Red Sox.

It was originally believed that these recent discussions came after Boston lost out in the running for Mark Teixeira, who signed an eight-year, $180 million deal with the Yankees last week, but in fact, they were held a few weeks prior to that. Though the Red Sox can’t quite match the Yankees dollar for dollar (Boston was believed to be offering at least $170 million over eight guaranteed years plus two additional years that could be voided by the team based on plate appearances), Boston is willing to think creatively to try to enhance its offense.

Continue at Si.com….