Crisp dealt to Royals for Ramirez

Like this deal. 31 W in 70 innings seems bit too much like the guys we have, but he pitched well in Coors in 2006. Stockpiling in the bullpen as one would expect, Coco gets to play FT for a new contract-- so even though he's not going to a good team, he is still be treated well by the Sox for his selfless year in '08.

If Coco's gone I would love to see the Red Sox obtain Gary Sheffield as a 4th outfielder. He could replace Drew against lefties and fill in in right field while JD platoons with Ellsbury (and Ellsbury with Bay).

Having Sheff for a 1 year / 2 year deal and having him play for a true contender could help keep his attitude in check.

i think this move indicates the sox are more likely to trade masterson for a catcher, probably salty.

Interesting. I found Coco a bit frustrating as he seemed to have the heart, but not the full confidence needed to get it done at the plate. I do think he was injured a bit more than most knew for the better part of his stay here. I say he lights it up in KC. I just hope that Jacoby does too. I don't agree that getting Ramirez signals that Masterson is definately heading to the starting 5. We need another solid arm in the bullpen to completely flesh it out. Ramirez would be that last piece if all went as planned. It does give the Sox wiggle room to use Masterson as a starter, but like I said, I don't think it's concrete.

Could also mean that they can now dangle Delcarmen as part of the effort to get a catcher. In any event, gives Theo flexibility as the FA season plays out.

Crisp for a freakin middle reliever? Seriously?

If true, this is a good get for Boston. A classic "sell high" policy with Crisp. His value will never be higher than now and a solid bullpen addition trumps the fourth outfielder role on any contending team.

BTW, there was never any doubt in my mind that the Red Sox always felt that Masterson's future role is as a starter. You do not waste him in a "set up" role.

Smart trade for the Red Sox.

Bah humbug.
Keep Crisp.

Bye Coco.....

Now maybe Ellsbury can play everyday instead of every other day and actually establish a rythmn and routine to his at-bats; instead of getting hot and sitting for Coco to pop-up 6 at-bats straight.

Ellsbury reminds me of Good ol' Fred Lynn and has the most outstanding potential I've seen in a while ---- finally he can play everyday ??

That wasn't obvious enough?? 9He needs to play to work out the scouting reports against him (learn to hit inside, etc....)

Jacoby will be playing (CF) for Boston for the next 10 years.... Typical Red Sox ownership made him sit every 3rd game this year and they wonder why his offense wasn't flawless ??

Let Him Play !!!!

Bye Coco.....

I hope they got more for him, than a late inning short relief pitcher, which we need...

Sorry to see him go. Class act, hard working, team player. Saved the Soxs asses on more than on occasion. Best of luck to him.

I feel bad for Crisp,winding up with KC.Not too much hope of playoff ball,there,but he does get to play everyday.But,the aquisition sounds great for the Sox,plus they free up considerable money to persue the BIG TIME player that they need.At least that's my assumption for the trade.This,also,sures Jacoby that he's there man for the job.This is a confidence factor.The Sox are the team to be reckoned with in 2009.........Now,it's down to who or what.It's either going to be the big hitter or a very big Starting pitcher.To protect Papi is mandated,true,but if they get the big pitcher,that's more games won on the season,too.Very interesting things to come.

I guess that fills the vacant "Ramirez" spot on the roster. If he acts like a goofball and/or a jerk, should we start saying "That's just Ramon being Ramon"?

Bye-Bye, Coco...
Ellsbury had better learn to hit that inside fastball.....

That is a too bad. Coco was a class act. He was great out in the field and came on strong in the playoffs. It is understandable with the players the Sox have. I wish him all the best as he has been a good role model and team player.

I like Coco, but I like this move more, Ramirez seems solid and I'd love to see Masterson starting. Plus it frees up some more money for Tex

I see Rocco Baldelli in the Red Sox future.

amen

Bad move. Crisp is too valuable to trade. He has great speed and isn't bad at the plate.

I hope Elsbury finds his bat.

I hate to see him go, what he did defensively was nothing short of amazing. He seems to play the game hard, the way it should be played, on a daily basis. I know, what to do with two starting center fielders? It is a nice problem to have and you had to know one was going to go. he is fun to watch, I wish him the best of luck.

Thanks for clearing the way!!

Sorry to see Coco go but he was expendable. The Sox should give Ramirez number 24

Crisp was a solid if streaky player for us, but never reached the performance level that we had hoped for when he joined the Sox after we were unable to resign Johnny Damon. And Crisp was also a solid clubhouse citizen, never complaining (as far as I know) about his sporadic playing time, and he filled in admirably (if somewhat ironically) for Jacoby Ellsbury when the latter slumped during the post-season. I'll miss Crisp, but I like the pick-up of a solid reliever and the prospect of Masterson returning to the starting pitching lineup.

I'm sad to see Coco go, he's awesome in centerfield, definitely better than Jacoby. He's a better hitter then Jacoby overall, although that could change if Jacoby learns to bunt. Bottom line, Coco was making $5.7M next season, Jacoby will be making $400k. Coco isn't $5.3M better than Jacoby... Chad, way to go reporting this, at least somebody is paying attention for Extra Bases! Also nice insight with the potential Masterson as a starter angle. I didnt immediately think about that, I just though... great, another weak reliever with no change up.

I don't see how this necessarily makes Masterson expendable into the rotation as a starter as I think we needed to match the depth of the Rays and Yankees bullpens (the current alignment with Papelbon, Masterson, Ramirez, Okijima, Delcarmen, Lopez could probably still use a lefty upgrade). If a move is to be made with the righties, it should be to use Delcarmen in a trade.

I thinking that this and theLugo deals maybe the Red Sox stripping as much off their payroll for runs at Burnett (don't like) and Texeria (do like).

Greg

I like how this improves the bullpen while possibly allowing Masterson to join the starting rotation. However, if this is the case, two immediate questions arise:

1. Who becomes the likely fourth outfielder - Kotsay? Baldelli?
2. If Masterson goes into the rotation, does this dampen their pursuit of high-end free agent starting pitching?

I know middle relief pitchers are getting increasingly more valuable, but this is all we got for Crisp? After the way he performed at the end of the season I thought we would get more in return.

Bon chance coco

Thats fine with me...

Thanks for the work Coco, good luck!

Huh...wow...didn't see this one coming at all.

That's all we got????? An average middle-reliever????

Oh bummer! I LOVE Coco!

Hate to see CoCo go but it is a good trade. The dynamics work with Masterson moved into a starters role. It negates the signing of a high priced starter and frees up money for Tex whom the Sox must sign to even compete with the Yankees and Rays in 2009.

Despite what Nick says, it's still not clear to me that they are considering using Masterson as a starter. Keep in mind that we need more arms than we had last season, and there is more than ample evidence that Timlin is most likely done. Particularly if we can get Burnett as a free agent, it would seem that we are simply stocking up in the pen and preparing for rainy days (remember the 2006 campaign when everybody was talking about "an embarrassment of riches" for the Sox pitching, just before a rash of injuries hit just about everybody).

Not enough for Crisp. Interesting move.

About time but I wish we could have gotten a little more for him.

Good deal for the Sox, address the need for bullpen help, clears salary and gives Crisp a chance to play every day. Wish him well in KC.

Too bad to see Coco go. Like the speed, like the bat, like the name.
If Jacoby remembers how to hit, it should be fine, hope the new guy can pitch.

Well, look were Coco's going now...

Sorry to see coco go........He was a great as defensive center fielder that the Red sox ever had as far as catching the ball...I think there need more than relief pitching is catching......They should go after a Gerald Laird,Benjie Molina,Ramon Hernandez and bring back Jason for a year or two.......They cannot have Kevin Cash as a backup again,and should not have brought wakefield back at all!.....
its the two-headed monster once again/.......time to move on from Wakefield and Cash!
I will miss Coco,,,,,,,,,,he made things happen....

I think the Sox will regret trading Coco in the long run.

I Think it's a good trade, I look at the stat of Ramirez it's seem to be a awesome relief pitcher.

Sad. Love Coco. Will miss him.

Dang! I really loved Coco and I'm going to miss him. Good luck Coco, always.

I've been to some good Coco games, I will miss him. I never doubt the front office's decisions, so I'm sure it's for the best, since Coco is worth a good trade right now.

Dang! I'm really going to miss Coco. Good luck Coco, always.

I'll miss Coco. He did a heck of a nice job while he was here. Hope it works out well for you in KC Coco.

why not just have a whole team made up of nothing but 'Ramirez' people. just a thought.

Can't fault the Sox organization for selling high.

The fact that this trade was made so early in the off-season can only mean two things - the Sox are opening up Salary Cap and that they want other teams to know that.

Sox will sign a utility player or elevate someone from within their franchise and will go after pitching. No matter what happens, they just identified themselves as a buyer - which will drive everyone else's price up.

i would have thought that crisp had more value than that ---- that they should have got more in return... although i really don't know a thing about ramirez (hopefully no relation to manny)

Hopefully, he wears number 24. Save millions of jerseys out there in the Nation.

It's good that we traded Coco while the stock was high on him. He finished the season strong, but with Ellsbury getting a full year under his belt, he should be ready to be the everyday center fielder for the Sox. Our bullpen was shaky at times this year too so I like to see us strengthening it with our first move of the off season.

Not since Freddie Lynn has there been a center fielder that played the game like Coco... Wish things worked out....

Good deal they filled a need and opened up payroll. Coco will be a help to the Royals and I wish him well. He played hard and didn't complain about his playing time. He was a good team guy for the Sox.

Could also clear the way for a utility outfielder, like Rocco Baldelli.

WOW!!! I thought Coco was a big reason why we stayed alive in the playoffs, and has been fairly consistent in 2008. BUT if it opens up more $$$ then that means there will be all out offort to get Texeria

thanks goodness crisp is gone

Sad to see Coco go but the trade makes sense. I really liked Coco but the need for relief pitching is intense. Hopefully this is just one of the moves the Sox make this offseason.

Trading a surplus outfielder for a solid bullpen arm? Nice move. Bullpen was a big problem last year. Hopefully, this move is a precursor to throwing whatever money is necessary to get Mark Teixeira.

Decent trade / decent value.

Of course the "trade our crap for their stars" crowd on sports radio will cry that we got nowhere near enough.

KansasCity!
What did Coco do wrong to have to play in Kansas City.

This is a great trade. Theo & Co. sold Crisp high. Ramirez fills a giant hole in the Sox roster and moving Crisp clears the way for Ellsbury to play everyday. Hopefully, with an everyday opportunity Jacoby can avoid the streakiness that has characterized his first year and a half.

Go Sox!!!!!

Good for CoCo, Good deal for Red Sox

Hate to lose Coco, speed defense clutch hit great attitude,

Type your comment here...

Coco isn't a good player, he's a great player. He did so much for the Red Sox. We will miss him and his 1000 watt smile.

Now there are NO African American players on the Red Sox.

How is this possible in 2008? I can't believe it's intentional...the Yawkey days are long gone. This new ownership seems to be enlightened, innovative, and certainly as politically correct and open minded as any organization in any sport.

This is just weird.

I think this is a pre cursor to a much bigger deal. Yes its great to have arms in the bullpen, but I think Theo has bigger plans.......bucholz, ramirez, bowden for Peavy

Good Luck Coco! You're a great fielder and a true professional. Thanks for your contributions.

Good for Coco he'll start everyday, Now the Sox pen is devastating between Ramirez, Oki, and Papelbon. If Masterson stays in the pen as opposed to starting, that will be the greatest bullpen in the game. Chances are that Masterson will be starting though, but if the Sox sign a Derek Lowe character, then our bullpen will be untouchable with those four anchoring it.

I'm kind of sorry to see Coco go but I don't think he ever came close to reaching his full potential in Boston. Hopefully this new releiver is as good as his stats appear.

Bring on Rocco...............

Somewhat dissapointed. Was hoping Coco was going to be packaged with one or two of the Sox promising young pitchers for a starter. Really like the guy and glad he will get to play everyday. But, return seems a bit low. Guess Masterson is a starter now. Bye. bye Birdie.

Coco... Thanks for playing your heart out here. I know you were injured and it took you some time to get back into the groove, but you proved yourself to be a team player. Your defense was phenomenal too boot. Best of luck to you!

This is a very good trade for us. Coco is one of the greatest center fileders I've ever seen, a great team mate, a great guy, I wish Coco all the best. He will surely get a rousing standing ovation when the Royals come to Fenway! Ramon Ramirez will be a huge additon to our bullpen!

horrible horrible trade, package him and lowell for a 3B if you're going to trade him

Ends the center field platoon. Places Jacoby under extra pressure to pick it up at the plate and increase his OBP as a go-to leadoff guy. Who plays center if Jacoby gets hurt?

Great trade! Ramirez is a quality pitcher.Crisp is a quality outfielder. IMO this is the first of several moves by the Sox.Burnett will wind up with the Sox! They will try to sign a Free Agent outfielder preferably Kotsay and all the while they will try to sign the big Fish Teixeira.When those deals are solved they will either sign Tek or move on to another catcher.

A little sorry to Coco leave but I, like others, think this is a good move overall. His trade value would most likely never be higher. We free up some money for Texeira (?) or someone; allows Ellsbury to develop into the ballplayer we think he can be; get some solid relief pitching (we hope) to boot.

I sincerely hope they do not trade Masterson as he is definitely a keeper. I also like the idea of taking a shot at Sheffield (not literally of course). Go Sox in '09.

Sheffield? I don't want that jackass on the Red Sox at any price. Boston already got rid of one talented clubhouse cancer. It doesn't need another. There's a reason this guy never stays too long in any city.

I'm sorry to see Coco go - he played with a lot of heart and I loved watching him in the outfield. Best of luck to you Coco. Regards, Lindawitz

who cares.....STANLEY CUP FEVER GRIPS HUB!!!!!!!

Great deal, Theo nails another one

Crisp did have his upside. Just did not impress at the plate this year. Of course this is my opinion only. Ells is the future in center and he will learn to hit more consistently as an everyday player. Good move for the sox. Clearing payroll for another nice signing. Masterson needs to do alot of hard work this offseason for his new role in the rotation. Theo consistently shows that he is the man. Look for more moves. A catcher for sure. Love the captain! But over the long hall,years take their toll behind the plate.

THIS GUY HAD MAJOR ELBOW PROBLEMS in 2007.

Better hope JD Drew doesn't go down again.

Terrible Value for Crisp

Consider it payback for Damon.

As a loyal fan of both teams, I'm sad to see Coco leave Boston, but thrilled for KC. I saw the Royals during their glory years and hope to see it again someday. Coco will be a great addition to the Royals.

Its about time the trade him. Should have done it sooner, but hey, they got a good relief pitcher. saves some money that crisp is not really worth. THANK GOD

I guess Ellsbury is going to be the guy. Good trade for the Sox, even though I hate to see Coco move on.

BOSTON IS STUPID!!! Why let your best outfielder go for someone who can't help you in your offensive game? If you ask me this is the biggest mistake... I was actually beginning to like Boston because of Coco... well too bad... Kansas City fan now... DUMB!!!!

I guess Ellsbury is going to be the guy. Good trade for the Sox, even though I hate to see Coco move on.

Loved Coco but sounds like a good move. Looked up stats on Ramirez; should help our bullpen. He's cheap and young, too.

Great Trade, They had to move Coco, he was hindering Jacoby's ability to thrive as the true starter. This deal in itsself might seem strange but in the big picture it looks great. They:
A.) get a solid young setup man for pap.

B.) Free up an arm to trade to texas for Salty whether is Clay or Masterson

C.) Free up money to sign Texieria

D.) Open up a spot to sign Baldelli who would be the perfect 4th outfielder fro them..

Well done THEO!

this just the start for Theo

I like this trade. This does free up the money to pursue Burnett and let Ellsbury become the star that he can be in centerfield by playing everyday. At least Coco can now play all the time in KC.

Both players will benefit (Coco and Jacoby) from this move. More consistency as full time contributors will only create greater quality in their at bats.

now we need someone to plug in for Jacoby when he goes ice cold for a week or two here and there next season. I loved coco, thought he was extremely underrated and a perenial gold glover (if the award was not decided by reputation). I for one will miss him even if it is the right move.

Seems like a risky move but let's hope this pans out better than some of Theo's other moves (Lugo, etc.). Ellsbury could be great but he was nothing more than Willie Mays Hayes in the play-offs while Crisp played like an All-Star. Couldn't the Sox have picked up a better player for Crisp? Let's hope we're surprised (pleasantly) by this move.

To people that say we should have gotten more....Wake the eff up.

I'm not sure exactly what you expected for Coco, jake peavy? I mean seriously, this the real world, not some video game where you can trade for whoever you want.

This guy we got back is not an "average reliever". Having a mid 2's ERA is not average, it is well above average. and so is his WHIP and OPS against.

I actually think this means they are more likely to make a big run at Texiera, it freed up salary and made more room in the outfield. So now you could have Tex at first and Youk, Bay, Drew, and Ellsbury in the outfield mix. Gives redundancy at almost every pipositionj.

I know Theo could have gotten more for Coco, but with all the trade talks by Theo with another teams, I believe these other teams do want to part away their over-paid veterans especially the one is making same amount $$$ as Coco. Theo isnt going to pick up another junkie!!! Plus it is good to see Coco to go to KC instead to White Sox or Cleveland or Detriot where Theo could improve these teams's chances to make into the playoff for next season!!!!

Think about that one!! Theo just shred payroll money, and avoid giving coco to a possible playoff team next season

I'm a big Coco fan and the selflessness way he carried himself both in 2007. Good luck to you, Coco, in Kansas City. He played well enough to start for this team if not for the pressure (I'm guessing from the owner's box or GM) to play Jacoby, who didn't look quite ready htis year. Maybe Jacoby is the CF of the future, but Coco was is a pretty good CF now that we're parting with. Good luck.

As for the deal, I like the guy we got for him. Maybe he'll be the one going to Texas, with Buckholz for Salty???

Geez, can we ever finally trade Wakefield? what the heck, he ties up 2 roster spots cause of that knuckleball!

I probably would of thrown in Lugo along with him.

I think it's too bad Coco had to go, b/c he was really fun to watch, but he wanted to play every day, and deserved to, and Jacoby is the centerfielder of the future, and he DOES need to play every day. (Now can we lose Lugo already?!). I hope Masterson goes into the starting rotation and does NOT get traded for a catcher (does that look likely?). The Globe's Tony M is pretty sure that the Sox are going to push hard for Texieira. Wonder that will mean for the team?

When will black people learn to give their kids respectable, properly spelled first names?

Thank you Coco Crisp! I trust the Sox, for the most part. I think Jacoby is going to have a great year in CF in '09 and Martinez should be a good middle inning guy. I think this is about $$$$ for Texeira, assuming the Sox aren't going to get into the Sabathia bidding war very seriously.

Ouch... That's the baseball equivalent of being sent to Siberia.

Good deal for both clubs. This either strengthens the Sox pen greatly with Timlin no gone or maybe bounces Masterson into the rotation with Buchholz on the block.

There will be more info following for sure, but one thing is for sure, the SOX are thinking playoffs and Series rather than the short term thinking like the regular season- they are clearing salary, Lugo is next- and the big push will be Texeira AND Burnett AND Salty-

minus masterson or Bowden

1. With the trade of Coco Crisp, the Boston Red Sox now have zero African-American players on their team. Zilch.

2. Even the average fan knows Epstein can't construct a bullpen. Let's hope Ramirez Redux is better than the sorry collection of mooks (Gagne, ad nauseam) the little Boy Genius has assembled in his tenure.

3. Please, let Varitek go. My stomach can't take anymore foul popups with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. The pitching staff will figure out how to get guys out without him.

I give Coco credit for not complaining as he lost his playing time for most of last year. He had a decent last month or so but still has minimal power and a terrible arm. And his baseball instincts aren't the greatest (remember 8th inning of game 7 when he did take out slide at second on slow grounder instead of going hard to the bag...cost Sox an out that would have changed the inning). So bottom line, he's a dime a dozen 4th outfielder or part time starter. Theo probably got as much as he could for him.

IT MAKES THE TEAM BETTER. MUCHBETTER. GOOD MOVE.

I'm glad Coco is gone, never liked him and his butterfly hands when batting. Theo is right on track now for Texeira, and either lowe or burnett. Rocco maybe. We will sign Tek for 3 years to catch, and win 2 or 3 more championships. nicely done.

Good move for the Sox, the Royals and Jacoby. I wish we could have dealt Coco to a contender. He deserves the attention. Throughout '08 season, I never felt that the Sox had too many outfielders. Jacoby and Coco and Drew just seemed to jell out there. Nice job Tito. But I'll never forget the catch Coco made for the last out in the ALCS against Cleveland. Almost ran through the wall out in the triangle, almost had to crawl back into the in field.

another bad trade by theo. this team needs bats. as for some of the possible players joining the sox, salty the catcher can't hit and is a poor fielder. if they get him it will be nearly as bad as varitek, why all the hype for a bad fielding, .253 hitter who only had 3 home runs in nearly 200 at bats. as for burnett, the guy is hurt half of the time and only pitches well on contract years. he will be a bust. they need a power hitter, their going to finish last or near last in home runs if they don't make a move.

Coco was fun to watch in the field and on the base paths and is a solid team player. I will miss him, but the Red Sox had to make a commitment to either Crisp or Ellsbury and Ellsbury is younger with a bigger upside at this point. With Crisp, what we see is what we get (which is pretty good when he can get on base enough). Let's hope it works out. Ramirez will fill a need and looks like a good pick-up. Now, to address the issue at shortstop...

I HOPE RED SOX are not going to depend on a no hit CF with a poor arm and make him bat lead off. Love Bobby Abreu who can hit, slam home runs, field, and is a first class power hitter and good average to help Bay and Youkils as David Popout may be finished as a hitter.

It's always tough to lose a dedicated player and Coco was that. But a reliever that pitched well for a crappy team, should prove to be a huge benefit for the Sox. There are quite a few mid range players that the Sox could consider for a 4th outfielder that wouldn't cost them a ton of money. I think they should speak to the Marlins about Jeremy Hermida; The Dodgers about Juan Pierre; Randy Winn from the Giants and even Jose Guillen from the Royals. Each of these players bring a decent combination of speed, average and success to an established club. None of them should be too expensive and it would give them a chance to play for a Championship team.

The Sox will be lucky to get prospects for Lugo. He is terrible and the Sox wasted time and Money on this waste of time. One decent season at the big league level.Before he was just mentioned,I had forgot he was still on the roster.Chalk one up to hindsight.

It's sad to see someone who plays the game right traded away. I thank Coco for all his contributions and I'm gonna miss the highlight reel in center. I think he's going to put it all together this season with KC, a low pressure environment will do him wonders.

See ya CoCo, who cares? this is bruins country..

Go B's

Pinkhats and fanboys, please stop with the "Coco is a great player" nonsense. He underperformed for the entire duration of his tenure with the Sox. He was downgraded to a reserve outfielder. You do not block young, cost controlled, upside potential talent with an overpaid reserve outfielder who couldn't hack it in a big market. Enough said.

Damn, the only thing worse than the Boston media foolishness (yeah, you Mazz), is the large and vocal segment of the fan base that is ignorant and enamored with bloated contract holding, underachieving veterans (i.e. Varitek, Coco, etc.) who are "wicked cool" people....

I don't like the deal. I think Coco has more value to the RS than to almost any other team. Forget about his bat, it is secondary. He is a 4th outfielder that is gold glove caliber, capable of stealing 30 bases in part time duty, and costs only 5mill....not too many guys like that available. I see a lot of Rocco comments posted. Do you forget that Rocco cannot play for an extended period of time, and if JD goes down for his usual 3 weeks, or if Ellsbury struggles, Rocco cannot play everyday.
Is Ramirez any better than MDC/OKI/Aardsma trio?
Seems Masterson goes to starter and RS pass all available tier 1 pitchers and are all in for Tex

You NewEnglandocentric and Soxocentric nitwits are astounding. Why do you assume that Crisp will play every day in the eighth circle of Hades that you know as KC. Perhaps he will be flipped to the White Sox or DeJesus a probably better,more stable, consistent player than Crisp for a deal centered on Jermaine Dye or Konerko. Dayton Moore may have some chops as a GM as Theo Gorilla doesn't always play everybody he deals with as a fool. Only in your dreams.

Will miss the defense..boy could he get on the horse and make the plays...expected to get another piece with Ramirez for him...seems a little light in the return package but shows the premium price on young pitching. Wasn't crazy about reading "Average Command" sounds a lot like Delcarmen but we shall see. Performing in KC and Colorado is a lot different than in Boston. Hope he has thick skin and earplugs. 4th outfielder situation will be interesting to watch. Sure hope they get "very serious" about Teixiera...Lowell has been a great soldier but time to upgrade the arsenal....Need that power bat..Wouldn't worry about Burnett..sounds like a classic raise the price for the Yanks ploy..to me the fun and games ends when it come to Teixiera time..7 year 160 and lets get it done..throw in Manny's 2 option years...he didn't need them might as well use them on someone who deserves them. Tex will be really good here!!! Gotta outbid the Angels

Don't think the Sox are done this offseason by getting a possible set up man for their 4th outfielder. Definately look for them to snag a #4 starter (Burnett or Lowe) and/or unload Lowell in a package deal with prospects and freeing up room for Texeira.

Crisp was a angry little man! Good move.

Hope this isn't the only off season deal.

Are we talking about the same Coco Crisp? They guy could barely get the ball out of the infield. He was a terrible hitter. He could steal a base, play good D, and kept his mouth shut when things didn't go his way. I respect Coco, but he's a journeyman player at best. The guy can't hit.

Well, now is time for Jacoby Ellsbury to come of age. Remember, you can't steal first base. He has got to hit and get on base

Coco deserves to play every day, so if he wanted out , more power to him. He is as good a defensive center fielder as the Sox have ever had. It was also great having all that speed on the paths. Love Coco. He gave them a lot of options. Ever since the Fred Lynn deal, I hate it when the Sox trade a player I enjoy watching For a set up guy? hope it pans out.

Good job Coco. Real professional and a good teammate. However, I wonder why such an early trade for "just another piece". He is a starting outfielder and should do well with KC. Ramirez will be fine in his middle relief. I am sure the Sox did this early and maybe even have something in the works right now. Don't believe they can get Texeria cause the Yanks want him badly as well. If they overpay Tex, what about Pedroia, Big Papi, Youk? You don't want to piss of the little guy.....lol Anyway, it will be interesting to see where the chips fall and who is left standing. Epstein et al have done a great job! Bon Chance

I do not like the deal because Ellsbury is still unproven. He fell off the charts during the playoffs and the Sox may still have to find a replacement in CF. Crisp started to produce in pressure situations and Ramierez may be "just another set-up guy" in the bullpen. The pressure in KC is nothing as compared to Boston.
The positive is getting someone else instead of Manny "ball four" Delcarmen who most of the time sucks when it counts!

#107 M Sutol.

"Coco" is a nickname you bigot.

Thanks for the spectacular catches Coco, and the awesome at bat during the ALCS comeback in game 5.

I am sad to Coco go- and to KC? Coco does deserve to play everyday. I wish him the best and will miss seeing him in a Red Sox uniform. I hope that Ramirez proves to be worth it.

"Freeing up money"? If that's the case, this would be the first trade since January 18th, 1997 that the we traded anyone and DIDN'T pay most or off of their salary (source: Elias Sports Bureau).

Did someone seriously say they should get Sheffield as a 4th outfielder. Doesn't fit the make up of this team in a million years. They got a great return from Coco while Ellsbury developed. Take another look at his entire 2008 and see where he ranked among CFs in the AL, not too shabby for a guy in his first full year in the bigs. Now they have some money to throw around

Good Luck Coco. Playing full time, just in time for a new contract means the SOX still treated him well, and he treated us well. To all those whoe say a middle reliever is not enough, remember that ramirez is not making 8 million a year either. This is a good move for the SOX and gives us bullpen and salary options. Coco played well for us, he was a head-rush to watch in the field, fun on the bases and had that incredible game 5, rally-sparking at-bat.
Best of luck COCO

Thanks , Coco. If it weren't for you, we'd never have Jacoby. Good luck in KC and I can't wait for baseball to come back. Jacoby is my favorite!

Sorry to see Coco go. In my 50+ years of watching the Sox (when there was a flagpole in left-center), he's been one of the best defensive center fielders at Fenway - if not the best. He seems to always get a remarkable jump on the ball. That's something that's more of an instinct than a learned talent, but not entirely. It's clear that's he's worked to learn the territory out there. Plus, he's always acted in a class manner which can be rare in a professional athlete nowadays, especially under the circumstances which often confronted him. He obviously has a lot of pride and I hope he does extremely well in KC.

Man, I am amused by how many people just dont know baseball. Everyone claiming they should have gotten another player, or they should have included Lugo just dont understand the game. Let me break it down for you so that my 5 year old understands:
A.Quality set up guys are almost as hard to find as good closers. Good bullpen help is at a premium right now.
B. This guy clearly has nasty stuff, and knows how to pitch. Look above to see his stats. He gets alot of strikeouts, doesnt walk, and doesnt give up homeruns. How many times did you see Delcarmen come in this year and give up a bomb to tie the game?
C. Crisp was a BACKUP OUTFIELDER.....forget it people, they cant dump Drew, they wont dump Bay, and they are set on Ellsbury (whom I still think is overrated)...where were you going to play him?
D. "they should have included Lugo"...ummmm look at the Royals payroll, do you really think they want to take on roughly ten million per year for an overpaid shortstop? he would be the 3rd highest paid player on the Royals behind Guillen and Meche.....yeah, they would jump at the chance for that one!
People wake up.....this isnt Sega RBI baseball '93 where you can trade Phil Plantier for Frank Thomas.

Good Luck Coco. You certainly gave us some interesting memories.....
clutch hits, fights and mascot collisions.
Thanks!

Masterson will be a starter.

Now if no FA starter signed, Masterson can start, or, if a FA pitcher signed, trade a RP (manny? ) as part of a package for a TX catcher. Just give you more pitching chips, and makes you less desperate.

It will be interesting who fills the 4th OF slot, with a need for a backup who can play center. And if they figure Youk is max value now, then will it be Youk and a pitcher for a catcher if they sign Texieira? Lets see all of the moves on the board, but this gives them more to move around.

There is a premium on relief pitching in baseball. You have to give something to get or end up signing someone to a bogus contract(Farnsworth, etc). Crisp was solid and should thrive in KC. I wish him the best. I don't know much about this Ramirez other than he's a power arm and 27(considered the age where young pitchers break through or flatline). So, he can improve possibly. I'm sure there is a plan in place so I'm not worried. Another arm cannot hurt.

Crisp was an outstanding 4th outfielder. With Drew out half the season the Sox need a top notch 4th outfielder. They now have nobody.
Ellsbury = .260 6 HR 60 RBI
They need a hitter

Thanks Coco, I love a ball player that puts his all into every play! You also brought something to Boston we more of - you have fun playing the game! Good for you...
Don't know much about what we got, but Theo is allot like B.B. he does what is best for the team and doesn't let emotion get in the way.
Glad to see Timlin go - 3 years past due. Wake should have joined him. Nothing personal its just time.... Veritek would be nice to have back but only for about 5mm per year... He can't hit a t-ball any more..
I don't know what will happen at 3rd if Theo signs Tiexiera, but he would be a nice signing. Can Youk play short? Maybe Dustin? Man what an infield we would have if it worked..

"Having Sheff... play for a true contender could help keep his attitude in check."

Oh, yeah. 'Cause that worked so well with Manny, right?

Odds of this actually happening: ZERO.

I will miss Coco Crisp, an outstanding glove man, a dynamic offensive player at his best, a hustling, determined competitor who always gave his best, and an exemplary teammate. I think the Sox made a prudent and responsible move--meeting a need of theirs (bullpen help), and a need of Coco's (a fulltime position), without trading this valuable outfielder to an AL East contender. But I'll miss the man. He is quality.

Red Sox definitely needed another solid reliever and they dumped alot of money so that they can pursue another power hitter as suggested by David Ortiz. I don't think the Red Sox should make Masterson a starter because of the depth of starters they have in the minor leagues. In a word, I like the deal only if they pursue the acquisition of a power hitter. If not, they will not be the team to beat in the competative American League Eastern Division.

Coco....Thanks, you did a great job!

Thanks Coco, some of those catches in the outfield were outstaaannnndddddding! Good luck!

Is Ramirez just a bargaining chip for the next trade?

I hope Coco reads these comments. He is one of the class acts in baseball today. He handled his role very well during this season. Theo screws us again. I hope Coco goes to KC and does awesome, just like Bronson A. did with the Reds. I will miss Coco very much. He is an absolutely awesome CF and he does well at the plate. Lugo sucks, Varitek sucks, Jacoby sucks....... He has a lot of growing up to do. I would love to see him bomb out this season. He is too over confident and arrogant, and he blew it in the playoffs for us. Theo gives up all the good ones. This one will come back to bite him you know where. Sleep well tonight Theo. Loser!!!!

Good deal. It signifys Baldelli and dare I say Texeira coming aboard. Coco was a good player lthough a bit of a shaper I thought, and I wish him well unless he gets traded to the Yankees from their old farm team. The younger fans may not realize that the Yanks did, I believe, once have a farm team in KC and after KC aquirred major league status they made a few unusual trades with the Yanks - Roger Maris being one of them.

Good trade. Coco finished strong and was a positive presence on the team, but don't forget that for much of the season he looked utterly lost at the plate. He can catch 'em, but has a rag arm. I have no doubt that Ellsbury will blossom this year, and won't have anyone looking over his shoulder. Ramirez a plus addition in the pen....Masterson to the rotation, perhaps? 2009 Sox a work in progress, but watching the pieces continuing to come together will be fun. Meanwhile, the Pats are interesting, and the Celtics on their way to another great season....

Must laud Coco for the fantastic job he has done in the past couple years, was really indispensable down the stretch this year and a defensive wizard... but i think that this is a good deal, and they can hold onto Ramirez for several years (no free agency till 2012). I would really like to see them get Kotsay back this year, i could see him go somewhere he could play more, but he was awesome, and a good fielder in OF and 1B-- a valuable backup for Youk/tex? and platoon with Drew, rest Ellsbury and Bay-- he could get plenty of playing time.

Liked CoCo a lot. Solid player with excellent CF skills. Many memorable catches. Hope he is happy with trade. He should be an everyday star in KC and average should improve playing there.

Now they have room for a 4th outfielder............bring back Gabe Kapler

I really thought Coco was gone after his post-fight comments where he spent more time bragging about ducking a punch than in showing remorse or sportsmanship. They were the kind of attitude and comments frowned upon in the Sox organization, and I suspect the Red Sox were shopping him around soon thereafter.

I'll miss Coco. He played with a lot of heart & his smile was dazzling. I'm sad to see him go...

You always trade from strenghth and don't you think Theo would have gotten more if he could? If Gammons likes the trade so do I. With starters going 6 or 7 innings now, bullpens are more valuable than ever.

Not sure on this.

I was beginning to see Coco as important to the very special Red Sox mix this past year and don't know if losing him for middle relief is the best we could do.

A little concerned about this one, Theo.

Boston made a business decision trading CoCo for Ramirez. Pitching is the name of the game. How many games last season did the bullpen hold and Papelbon saved? The starting pitchers won less than 80 games out of 162 game schedule. The trade frees money for future acquisitions to fill the need for a front line power hitter,a catcher and a fourth outfielder like Baldelli.

coco is going to have the best year of his life. no pressure just like in cleveland. good luck man

Too bad. Coco kinda grew on me last year. I actually liked the idea of platooning four outfielders, any of whom were good enough to start for just about any team. However, from a business end I do understand why he left, and what the Sox got for him fills a void they needed filled.

My only question is, what did Coco ever do to deserve to be traded to Kansas City???

The Boston Red Sox sold high on Coco Crisp and the Kansas City Royals sold high on Ramon Ramirez.

I give the edge to the Red Sox because I am surprised the Royals would take on the minimum $6.25 million owed on Crisp's contract.

I hope all you daffodils are still happy about this deal on next June 1st !! I'm sure that you are certain that Ellsbury is going to hit .285 with some power. As for Mr. Ramon --------------,; he had good stats in KANSAS CITY !! ( with all the pressure-filled games there). He'll probably toss one to the screen in his first appearance. I'll miss Coco....but I bet I'll miss him even more around the first of next June. The best to you, Coco. Anyway, I hope we can get Rocco........

The Red Sox should have kept Coco. They made a huge mistake. They will never be as good without Coco. Coco is an amazing outfielder, he is great at bat, and he can steal almost as many bases as Jacoby Ellsbury

This is a fair trade - while Coco might not be a 4th OF on most teams, he was on the Red Sox, so teams dealing with the Sox knew Theo was trying to trade his 4th OF, so if you can get a potential power arm for the bullpen, whose only 27 and under control through 2012. We'll see how it plays out on the field, but I think it's a very good deal. I'll always remember Coco's awesome 10-pitch AB, game tying single in the amazing G5 comeback against Tampa, and although he never lived up to the expectations coming in behind Damon, he's a good ballplayer who should do well in KC.

I can't say I'm happy to see Coco going to KC. Ramirez is supposed to be a decent middle reliever and will allow Masterson to move to the starting lineup and probably goodbye to Mike Timlin. Coco played with heart and talent here. As good a CF as there is. His problems with production at the plate have been due to the injury I suspect. Or maybe he is as good with the bat as he is ever going to be. Time will tell. I think his hitting will improve elsewhere. But, it was fun having him here. Good Luck Coco!

Coco showed a lot of heart this year given that he lost his starting job and really didn't complain. Also, he played hard and won his job back in the playoffs. I will always remember that game tying hit in the 7 run comeback.

No more Crisp Vs. Shields rematch at Fenway next year now :-D

Oh well I have mixed feelings on the Trade .. well just wait till next year and well see if this was a good or bad trade when Ramirez actually performs.

Sheffield is not a good fit as a fourth OF; Coco was perfect for that because he offered speed, defense, and was a tough out. Sheffield does not offer speed or defense. He's got more offensive upside than Crisp but he finds a way to create a clubhouse problem once per year and his presence wouldn't be useful to the Sox.
After looking at the list of free agent outfielders, it's clear the Sox cannot sign somebody to adequately replace Crisp; they'll have to settle on a lesser player or make a trade. That said, a power relief arm is more valuable than a fourth OF. I think KC made this deal with the idea that Crisp is trending upward.

Good trade for the Sox. Ramon Ramirez will compete for the 8th inning set up role and is probably the favorite to win it. The major kink in the bullpen armor last year was not having a dependable guy to set up Paps. This trade should fix that. Crisp did well last year, better than expected. He could have pulled a "Jay Payton" and wined his way off the team but he hung in there and eventually won the job when Ellsbury slumped. I think we can all agree Ellsbury is the future so dealing Crisp was a matter of when not if. Final note, I may be the only person in Red Sox nation that still thinks Masterson should remain in the pen regardless of this move and here is why: I truely believe the "long reliever" position is vastly underrated and a dying breed in MLB. The guy that can pitch in 50+ games, 100+ innings, make spot starts, bail out starters who get rocked early, etc. Masterson may be the rubber armed type of pitcher that can do it and completely solidify the pen.

Like this move. Getting bullpen arm puts Red Sox in a good position when dealing w/ FA starters Burnett and Lowe. If $ gets crazy Red Sox can walk away and put Masterson in rotation. Lets face it Coco wasn't going to be happy being a backup again next year, he deserves a chance to go start elsewhere. Let the Yanks pay the crazy $, they're good at it. Red Sox can find a 4th OF.

I always got him confused with breakfast cereal anyway.

I like Chris' response. I have thought the Sox could trade Lugo to Detroit for Sheffield without having to lay out money. That would give us a right handed bat for JD or for Ortiz. The money is even so that we don't have to pay for him to play in Tigertown.
Good luck to Coco. Hopefully, he will do well for them.

Sorry to see Coco moved, but this trade has big upside. Allows Sox to consider Masterson as starter and lets Sox shop Bucholz for catcher. If Sox can't get AJ, allows further shopping for starter via trade ( young hitter plus Bucholz). Crisp was invaluable with Ellsbury slump in playoffs, so hope people don't dismiss his value and contributions. But Ramirez is a very good pickup. Power arm with HUGE upside. Delcarmen and Ramirez could become huge 7-8-9 men with JP.. Sox fans should feel blessed Theo is our GM . Little trades like this puts Sox in prime position . Afterall, Sox bullpen needs a few good arms that are reliable like Ramirez.

For all those who are concerned about ethnic equality the Sox have Day on thier 40 man roster they acquired him from the CWS he is an african American pitcher and the Sox are trying to Acquire The D-Train,and are even thinking about signing Gary Sheffield.These 3 guys should assuage those who are about too scream racial discrimination.

Give him 24 so I can wear there Ramirez jerseys again =p

I am interested in all this talk of trading Delcarmen or Masterson now that Ramirez has been aquired. Who or what is out there that is available, other than free agents that would warrant either one of those two?

I like the deal . Ramirez has a solid arm. John Farrell will make him a better pitcher. I can now see a deal involving Manny Delcarmen, maybe to Texas in a deal involving a catcher. Good bullpen help is very hard to find.

I'm glad Coco will get the chance to play everyday in KC. He was a class-act here, and any red sox fan can agree they loved seeing him stir things with Tampa this year, or when he gave up his body running down a ball in the triangle during the 07 ALCS, even though he was just a defensive replacement at that point.

I don't love the deal, but it could work out in our favor. Ramon Ramirez has had some issues in the past, and some players thrive in boston, while others stumble. Hopefully he works out. If you look back to the 05/06 off-season though, I think I would have rather had the Sox try and find a FA stop-gap for Ellsbury and keep Shoppach. He could be the cather of our future right now. I realize the Yankees overpaid for Damon that offseason, but they could have used money on someone else without trading valuable prospects.

Getting a decent reliever is always good, but I'm not sure about getting rid of Coco. First of all the guy played with real heart, and that counts for something. He's a heck of an outfielder, with a fearless style. Think of the times you've seen him save a run. And when he got going, he could hit, as he demonstrated in the second half (.315). And man, the guy can throw a punch. I think we're going to miss CC if Ellsbury swoons.

I am SICK about this...... LOVE Coco! He is the best centerfielder in baseball..... has Theo lost it? A reliever? Get real! What an insult to Coco. Will be watching him in KC. Wonder how we can get mail to Coco?

Good trade ,good luck CoCo. Have to agree with ToledoSox on Sheffield, he makes Manny look like a poster child for good behavior. Albeit a Rastafarian poster child. Hafta disagree with the Wakefield Bashers though, Wake has great stats over the haul for a 4th starter and is a bargain, would be nice to find some one that can catch him and Hit.

Coco had some great moments here, though his limitations - inconsistent hitter, no power, no arm - were frustrating.
If Ramirez is as good as described and at cheap money, why does KC move him for Crisp? Doesn't make sense for KC.
Is Delcarmen part of a trade now for a catcher?

Love the comments about giving the new guy Manny's number.

The trade makes sense to me. Coco turned out to be a C+ instead of the B+ the Sox thought he would become. If the new guy turns out to be beyond his elbow problem they will have plugged the bullpen hole that cost them so many games this season. So the way I see it the Sox traded a sure C+ for a potential B+ and this is the kind of chance management needs to take to compete with the top teams of the American League (not to mention the Yankees).

Very foolish trade! Ellsbury was a big disappointment last season offensively. He swings like a girl. They should have unloaded Ellsbury and kept Coco! Another dumb move by Theo.

Like most, I hate to see Coco go. Classy guy whose only fault is he wants to play everyday. He will bust out in KC, good young and getting better lineup. I wished he taught Papi how to bunt before he left though. As far as the trade, those who think that middle relief is not enough, this covers two strong needs
1-strengthening a relief corp, Ramiriez. Oki and Delcarmen. then lights out Pap.
having Aardsma as insurance. Bowden close and Bard a few years away, give us great flexability.
B(joke)-frees up good coin for next signing, Tex and 2nd tier fa starter

This was a bad, bad trade, one that will look worse over time. I don't think that Crisp ever got a fair shake in Boston. He did all the little things well. His head was in the game. I am unconvinced that Ellsbury will be even close to what all the fans think he will be and this is a real shame.

You can't evaluate an individual trade because it is just one piece of the puzzle and the puzzle won't be complete until early 2009. It does look simply like a Timlin replacement at this point, but a good move anyway.

Ramirez was picked up off waivers by the Royals from Colorado near the end of Spring Training last year. So they gave up nothing for him, and he was coming off a year of elbow trouble. So they rolled his one good year into Coco Crisp. There are not many center fielders that covers the ground that Crisp can. This puts the trade more in perspective on what a shrewd GM that Dayton Moore of the low budget Royals has quietly become. If he stays healthy, Ramirez should do a solid job for the Sox, and he is cheap, so financially, it was a great deal for the Sox as well. Remember, the Royals got Soria in the rule V draft out of nowhere as well.

I feel that it was a great move he s only 27 has a great fastball with good movement and is only making 300,000 The redsox should try to trade lugo to det. for willis who will be a work in progress but will be better than having lugo around. I would also go after texiera for first base move youk to third and try to trade lowell and eat most of his salary. I would also try to get another left handed pitcher for the bullpen, maybe put clay b in for a trade and also adding another bat for the bench maybe from minors alot of good talent down there.

This is a great trade from the value perspective. Coco at $5 million for one more year (unlikely he would get that $8 million option year) or a young reliever who misses bats at the 2nd year minimum? You have to remember you get to spend the $4.5 million difference on someone else, and you keep Ramirez for the next four years at reasonable cost. Coco's .751 OPS won't be hard to replace if Ellsbury plays well.

Now they'll sign 2 OFs for the short term - one right-handed corner guy who can play some 1B and another who can pinch run and play solid CF while we wait for Lars Anderson to arrive.

Remember our bullpen was shaky at times last year, and Jeremy Affeldt just got 2 years, $8 million.

Best of luck to Coco who played hard in Boston. Ramon should ask for #24.

GREAT, MY FAVORITE PLAYER IS GONE. CLASS ACT AND I THINK BEING HURT HIS FIRST YEAR AFFECTED HIM MORE THAN WE KNOW. THEN HAVING TO LOOK OVER HIS SHOULDER AND FINALLY BEING PUT ON THE BENCH,(DESERVEDLY SO) I THINK HE NEVER REALLY GOT GOING. HOPE I'M WRONG, BUT ELLSBURY AND THAT UNORTHADOX SWING MIGHT BE A LITTLE OVERRATED. GOOD LUCK COCO

Coco was a total gamer who invented the take-out stolen base attempt. In a world of self-centered atheletes he had the opportunity to be a whiner but wasn't. Perhaps a good business decision by the club but we'll miss his style of play.

A NOTE TO COCO

Thanks, Coco, for being there whenever we needed you without bitching and moaning like a lot of players would have. You were great in the field, worthy of your many WebGems. You were great in the playoffs this year, both in the field and at the plate. You're helping us even now because you increased your value and gave us trading leverage. Thanks for everything and good luck.

Coco Crisp for Ramon Ramirez is a darn good trade. I appreciated Coco's effort and professionalism while he was here, and I'm sorry to see him go, but Ramirez is a hard-throwing monster of a reliever. He's experienced in the role of set-up man, he generated the third-lowest reliever ERA (2.64) in the MAJORS last year, and he threw a strikeout per inning. That's way better than Joba Chamberlain played.

Welcome to Boston, Ramon!

Should have traded Jacoby instead!!

this flat out sux...coco...we love you, we need you...not ready to part with you......freaking amazing outfielder...damn...i can't say goodbye.............so....good luck....please tell me this isn't happening...i didn't think my day could get any worse....

whoever mentioned Gary Sheffield obviously does not stand with the forces of good vs. evil.

If that dispicable piece of toxic turdness ends up on the Sox, I'll switch to being an Orioles fan.

he , and many other Yankees like ARod, Randy Johnson, kevin Brown, Clemens, etc etc are the bottom of the barrel in terms of humanity - -good riddance.

Coco had a great run in Boston, but we all knew this move was coming. Ramon Ramirez seems like a solid option. Plus now if we put Manny D and Ramon Ramirez together, you get Manny Ramirez in the bullpen!

Ramirez actually has a little more than two years of service time, not two, having spent all of 2006 and 2008 on a big league roster, as well as part of 2007. It still means he's under Sox control for the next four years, the first of which he'll be making the minimum.

Dear Brett Johnson (comment #78),
You're an idiot. "horrible horrible trade, package him and lowell for a 3B if you're going to trade him." Coco was ALMOST great defensively and a below average offensive player. He covers a ridiulous amount of ground in the outfield and made some of the most amazing catches Boston fans have ever seen, BUT he couldn't throw out a one-legged donkey in an icestorm from the second base bag. WORST arm in the league. People only remember the last two months and forget the two-three previous years of offensive futility when they think of Coco. He was about to make nearly 6 million to hold Jacoby Elssbury's jockstrap for half the season and the Sox turned his hot streak at the end of the season into a potentially dominant set-up man that isn't even arbitration eligible yet. This is a fantastic move for the Sox. Get's rid of $6 million this year while giving Ellsbury the consistency he needs to become TWICE the player Coco will ever be. All while strengthening the bullpen and potentially the starting rotation for years to come. The Sox now gave themselves more wiggle room to dive into free agency and/or sit back and watch everyone else pull their pants down for overpriced relievers like Bob Howry. Get a clue brosef. Have some faith in the organization that has brought two World Series Titles and a perennial contender for years to come. They've accomplished these things with intelligent trades like this one.

We will see how this plays out, but I think the market is always tougher for quality pitchers than fans realize. I hope Coco kicks ass in KC. He always seemed like a very decent human being. I'll miss the defense, and will always remember the battle he eventually won in that at-bat in the Sox 7-0 comeback vs. the Rays. Good luck Coco. Welcome, Ramon.

Come on. CoCo was a huge disappointment his whole time here. I've been reading these posts and one would think we just traded the greatest center fielder of all time. He is a great fielder, but so is Ellsbury. Ellsbury's upside is way higher than Crisp's offensively. I mean the Kid led the league in stolen bases his rookie year. YOu cannot spit on that!.
Jacoby needs to become more consistent at the plate and Crisp will be long forgotten. Keep in mind, while playing in some 150 games, in three different outfield positions, Jacoby made NO errors..None! He would have won the Gold Glove but he didn't qualify because of his moving around. Let Crisp go and his salary. Fade out...

Unlike Manny, I believe the Red Sox may have approached Coco and committed to trading him so he could become a full time player elsewhere. Simply stated: Coco do your job, and be a team player. To his credit, Coco did a great job in a tough situation. I hope this trade works for the Red Sox/ Royals and Coco!

do not like the burnet deal
we may be trying to increase the price for the yankees.
he has had too many injuries over the years

Crisp went stale sitting on the pine!

Talent wise we gave up slightly more than we got, but if you include Coco's inflated contract this was a very good move.

Don't see Masterson as a starter especially if they move Declarmen.

On the surface, this appears to be a decent deal, but I'm concerned about who the 4th outfielder will be, what with J.D. Drew's penchant for sitting out even minor injuries. The biggest mistake Epstein could make would be signing A.J. Burnett. Here is the classic example of a pitcher with "good stuff" who never lives up to his potential. He had a career year going into an opt-out situation. Whoever signs him will regret it big time. He's a much better pitcher, but does anyone remember the Matt Young fiasco? Another pitcher with "good stuff" who never lived up to his potential. Theo, do your homework and look at this guy's entire career and his "makeup." You shouldn't even be considering him. And if you're only doing it to drive up the price for the Yankees, would that they are that foolish, shame on you. Raising the price on one raises the price on them all in the future.

Awesome deal.LIKE getting 2 fot 1 if masreson goes in therotation

i thought that was stupid

Not a bad move and having a strong bullpen is always a plus. I think from a roster stand point this trade makes for a solid replacement for Timlin's spot and there is a +/- $3 million in savings based on Timlin's 2008 salary.
As for replacing Coco, now a 4th (and 5th) outfielder must be found to replace Coco & Katsey who played in the outfield until Lowell was shelved. Hopefully Theo can replace those 2 roster spots with the speed & glove that both brought to the field each and every day. With JD often injured both sought after players would need to have some game. Also I for one would also like to see a little more arm in our outfield as well. Not sure what those 2 players made combined but hopefully those spots can be filled for about $7-$8 million total which is what Coco & Katsey made between them.

Number 24 belongs to my favorite Red Sox of all time.....Dwight 'Dewey' Evans.
Let us never allow that number to be worn again.......

I don't think this is going to be as good as it should be because when Ellsbury or Coco were injured, one covered the other very well. I'm going to miss Coco out there. Good luck and all the best in Kansas City, Coco!

1. Drop the Sheffield talk pronto. He's a vile little punk who has worn out his welcome everywhere he's played. If you thought Ramirez was bad, Sheffield's act will do a boogie on your brain.

2. You can have an entire bullpen full of Koufaxes and Gossages, but if you're down a run in the 8th and you send Varitek up with men on base, you'll still lose. Do not fall for the sappy sentimentality of the "Keep the Captain" crap. He's finished.

Coco is an above-average CF and apparently a fine individual. He has his strengths and weaknesses, but he always played hard for the Red Sox, made some absolutely magnificent plays, never drew any negative attention to himself, and just did his job, where and when he was told and without any gripes, which will now make him the starter for KC, but he will always be a Red Sox World Series champion. Best of all, Coco! Meanwhile....

If this Ramirez becomes the dominant set-up man envisioned, this will be an outstanding trade for the Red Sox. We shall see.

OK, so let's see here. We're down to one foreign born Latino or African American (unless the new guy is, and he'll probably be traded)? And who knows? Maybe Papi's knee is bad enough so we'll get rid of our last one, replace him with lily-white Mark Texeira. We're getting close to the 80's Celtics now.

I'm officially off the bandwagon. This team just looks different than any other in the majors. There's got to be a reason.

November 19, 2008 - a date that will live in infamy - the day the music died - and all the cliches befitting the end of a great players time in a Sox uniform. Coco was
constantly criticized but he kept giving it his best. Terrible decision - should have traded Coby Ellsbury who can't hit the ball any better than the great Coco. Mark my words, we will regret this trade!

This Ramirez guy better be good because I love COCO!

Thank god Timlin is gone.

I think this would be an excellent opportunity to bring back Gabe Kapler. He is the perfect 4th outfielder -- he can play all 3 positions, can run and throw well, and has a potent bat. The advantage over Baldelli is that he could play every day for 10-15 days if necessary, and then sit. The Sox should go out and grab him.

THIS BAFFLES ME - THEO REPORTEDLY SAYS HE'S NOT GOING TO MAKE STUPID DEALS - SIT BACK AND WATCH THE OTHER TEAMS DO STUPID. SO WE TRADE THE GREAT COCO AND THEN SAY "OH WE NOW NEED A 4TH OUTFIELDER SO LETS SIGN SICKLY ROCKO BALDELLI." IS THIS STUPID OR WHAT? ALWAYS THOUGHT WE COULD RELY ON THEO TO DO THE VERY BEST FOR THE TEAM BUT THE COCO TRADE IS PLAIN OL' STUPID. KAPLER IS BEYOND HIS YEARS TO BE PRODUCTIVE NOW.

whoa! Friends, family,and fans, Have we not learned ITWT (In Theo We Trust)! He is that kid we hated trading baseball cards with as a child. At first what a great trade! The following year ahh!!! He got me! May we all relax, I will miss Coco (thank you). May we as fans take a deep breath and see two championships in the last few years (paired with Celts and Pats) then all thank Boston for bringing sports back to all of us!!!

I'm sorry to see him go. He'd go through a wall for you. You don't see that too often. Good luck, Coco.