Hold everything.
Published reports insisting that Coco Crisp is about to become a member of the Boston Red Sox are at least a little premature.
Yes, the Cleveland Indians are working with the Red Sox on a deal that would send the left fielder to Boston in exchange for third-base prospect Andy Marte, 22, whom the Tribe has coveted for a while. Last year, the Indians attempted to consummate a swap for Marte from his then-employer, the Atlanta Braves.
However, it’s unlikely the Indians will complete a trade for Marte unless they can acquire outfielder Jason Michaels from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Tribe reportedly is willing to part with one of two relievers, Arthur Rhodes or Rafael Betancourt, in exchange for Michaels, 29, who batted .304 but had only 289 at-bats in 2005. Included in Michaels’ numbers were four homers, 31 RBI and three steals.
Why give up a proven impact player like Crisp for a journeyman outfielder? Marte is the key to the deal for the Indians. He is considered a top-flight prospect, though in his first major-league exposure – 24 games and 57 at-bats for the Braves last year – he batted a meager .140.
However, in spending the bulk of his season at Triple-A Richmond, Marte batted .275 with 20 home runs and 74 RBI. The Indians’ farm system is not well fortified with talented third baseman, and big-league incumbent Aaron Boone probably will be gone after the 2007 season, possibly before.
In addition to Marte, the Red Sox have allegedly offered reliever Guillermo Mota, 32, who posted a 4.70 ERA in 56 appearances for the Florida Marlins in 2005.
One Tribe operative said he didn’t think anything would happen for at least two days, while General Manager Mark Shapiro tried to obtain Michaels.
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