The Red Sox will soon be faced with questions of whether or not to keep Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. What most likely will happen is that they will go out and find a trade partner to avoid the problem. So who will be available in a couple years for a trade, and who may the Red Sox look to as a partner? Here are a couple guys I see as possible replacements in the future:
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins: The Red Sox traded the top prospect to the Marlins and acquired two key components in their 2007 World Series victory. I think it is a fair trade off, especially when you look down the road at possibly re-acquiring him. If the Marlins continue to sell, Ramirez should be available to trade and could probably net a pitcher like Jon Lester, along with a couple other prospects.
Daric Barton, Athletics: Barton is someone to look out for next season after making it to the MLB and doing very well. He has power, and if he lives up to that should be out of the Athletics price range soon. The A's have always been ones to sell, and the Red Sox might come calling.
Joey Votto, Reds: The Reds may be willing to deal one of their top prospects at the right price, especially if he does well. They have Jay Bruce who is expected to be an All Star, so he might take away from Votto down the road.
Matt Holliday, Rockies: If the Rockies cannot sign Holliday to a long term deal, they might trade him for a boatload of talent. The Red Sox have the money, and could use the power the left fielder brings to replace Manny.
Matt Kemp, Dodgers: The Dodgers tried to unload him after a solid year, but might be more inclined to do it in a couple years after some of their veteran pitchers move away from their prime. They could land a pair of pitching prospects, maybe even someone like Jon Lester, assuming he lives up to potential.
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins: The Red Sox traded the top prospect to the Marlins and acquired two key components in their 2007 World Series victory. I think it is a fair trade off, especially when you look down the road at possibly re-acquiring him. If the Marlins continue to sell, Ramirez should be available to trade and could probably net a pitcher like Jon Lester, along with a couple other prospects.
Daric Barton, Athletics: Barton is someone to look out for next season after making it to the MLB and doing very well. He has power, and if he lives up to that should be out of the Athletics price range soon. The A's have always been ones to sell, and the Red Sox might come calling.
Joey Votto, Reds: The Reds may be willing to deal one of their top prospects at the right price, especially if he does well. They have Jay Bruce who is expected to be an All Star, so he might take away from Votto down the road.
Matt Holliday, Rockies: If the Rockies cannot sign Holliday to a long term deal, they might trade him for a boatload of talent. The Red Sox have the money, and could use the power the left fielder brings to replace Manny.
Matt Kemp, Dodgers: The Dodgers tried to unload him after a solid year, but might be more inclined to do it in a couple years after some of their veteran pitchers move away from their prime. They could land a pair of pitching prospects, maybe even someone like Jon Lester, assuming he lives up to potential.