The Red Sox and Dodgers were scheduled to meet at midnight Eastern on Sunday to talk about Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, according to a major league source.
The Red Sox almost certainly would want right-hander Jonathan Broxton, a future closer, in a Ramirez package. The Dodgers, however, value Broxton for his late-inning potential. Dodgers right-hander Brad Penny also figured to be discussed; he had a 6.25 ERA after the All-Star break last season, but pitched for the Marlins when Sox owner John Henry owned that club.
A package of Penny, third baseman Andy LaRoche and first baseman James Loney might entice the Red Sox. Penny, 28, is signed for $7.5 million next season and $8.5 million in 2008, with an $8.75 million club option for ’09.
The Dodgers, however, might not want to part with top prospects if they’re required to take on Ramirez’s $20 million club options in both 2009 and ’10, which would be the likely price for persuading him to waive his no-trade clause.
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