Red Sox and Marlins Reportedly Discussing Blockbuster Trade

The Boston Red Sox, who have managed to stay in the wild-card race despite injuries and poor performances from virtually every player on the roster, are desperate to find help with both offense and pitching. The Miami Marlins, who are holding on for their lives in the wild-card race, need a bat.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Marlins brought a trade proposal to the Red Sox that would provide players who will fill needs for both teams. 

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The Miami Marlins have approached the Boston Red Sox about a blockbuster trade that would send left fielder Carl Crawford and a prospect to South Florida for infielder Hanley Ramirez and closer Heath Bell, according to three officials with knowledge of the talks who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.

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For Red Sox fans, just hearing the possibility that they might be able to get rid of Carl Crawford is enough to make them jump for joy. Of course, within the same report, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington says unequivocally that Crawford has not been shopped to any teams. 

Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the idea was basically dead on arrival. 

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Sources: There is no current discussion involving Crawford and Hanley Ramirez/Heath Bell. Was brought up briefly as concept, immediately died.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 18, 2012"

It would certainly be an interesting move for both teams. Crawford made his name in southern Florida with the Tampa Bay Rays before signing a seven-year contract with Boston after the 2010 season. 

Ramirez was one of the best prospects in the Red Sox farm system before being traded, along with three other prospects, to the Marlins for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell after the 2005 season.

Bell would basically be a throw-in for the Red Sox, as a way to eat a terrible contract the Marlins gave out in the offseason. He has been a disaster in the National League East; I don't even want to know what would happen to him in the American League East. 

This just seems like one of those deals where two teams are so frustrated with their standing that they throw their most expensive underperforming stars together to see what someone says.

It is certainly noteworthy, but as Olney says, it's likely to end up being nothing more than talk. 

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