Peter Gammons:  “A source close to the three-way negotiations involving Manny Ramirez says the deal is close to dead. Florida has reportedly asked Boston for a cash outlay beyond the $7M to cover Ramirez’s contract, in addition to two prospects. That essentially would add up to the Red Sox trading Ramirez, $9M and two prospects for Jason Bay.”

Well, if this is true, Epstein wold be a fool to do it. 

You’ve got to admire Florida’s stones.  “Yeah, so we’ll take the best hitter in the game, $7 Million to pay him for 2 months, and two prospects . . . in exchange for . . . Jason Bay.” 

So now we’ll just suck up Manny for two months, deal with his B.S., and win a 3rd World Championship along the way.

FWIW, every time the Sox have come close to trading Man-Ram, he’s come back like gang-busters for the rest of that season.  Here we go again!