According to ESPN and Peter Gammons, this deal is all but done, with Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell being traded to Boston for highly touted shortstop Hanley Ramirez (who has yet to really produce all that much, in my opinion), right-handed prospect Anibal Sanchez and a minor-league pitcher. The Red Sox have agreed to take on all $18 million of the money owed to Lowell over the next two seasons. In my mind, this is a no brainer for the Red Sox as they have another SS prospect who could be just as good, if not better (he's already outproduced him by a good deal in the minors), than Ramirez in Dustin Pedroia. Anibal Sanchez is no slouch either. I have had the opportunity to see him pitch a few times for the Wilmington Blue Rocks and I have to confess, I think that he is the goods. However, giving that up for someone who has already proven himself in the majors and on the grand stage of the World Series doesn't really require that much reflection. Also, the Red Sox have more than enough revenue to offset Lowell's price tag and this deal should bolster support for the team after a disappointing 2005.

I'm sure there will be more on this the rest of the day and we'll keep you posted but for now, any first reactions to the trade?