The Daily News has reported, citing unnamed sources, that both the Red Sox and Orioles have resigned themselves to accommodating the trade requests of Ramirez and Tejada — both of whom want to be dealt away from their respective teams. Since the Orioles have signed Jeromy Burnitz to essentially complete their outfield, they simply don’t appear to have enough to accommodate the Red Sox in a straight-up (Tejada-for-Ramirez) deal.
That’s where the Devil Rays come in. They would send Joey Gathright to Boston to help fill the Red Sox’s center field hole. Obviously, Tejada would fill the void at shortstop.
Ramirez and Baez, on the other hand, would head for New York, giving the Mets one of the game’s best power hitters and set-up men.
As for the Orioles, they would satisfy their shortstop and pitching needs by acquiring Julio Lugo from Tampa Bay, and veteran right-hander Kris Benson from the Mets.
The Devil Rays are thought to be seeking young prospects — especially pitchers. And they could be satisfied on that front if they can acquire Red Sox third baseman Andy Marte, and pitchers Jae Seo and Aaron Heilman from the Mets.
In addition, The Daily News says that the Mets would send Kaz Matsui to the D-Rays to temporarily fill the void at shortstop until hot prospect B.J. Upton is ready for the big time.