Big news in Red Sox nation. The latest rumor, according to Peter Gammons, is that the Sox are trading top prospects Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez, plus another minor leaguer, to Florida for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. Beckett, of course, was the MVP of the 2003 World Series and is probably one of the top 10 starters in baseball. Lowell had a poor year with the bat, but won the NL Gold Glove at 3rd base. The Sox have agreed to pay the $18 million left on Lowell's contract over the next two years.

Despite the loss of the two prospects, this trade is a no-brainer for the Sox. Beckett is only 25 years old and already has established himself as a top pitcher. With Beckett, a healthy Schilling, Tim Wakefield and Johnathan Papelbon in the rotation, the Sox could go a long way next year. Anything Lowell gives them would be gravy. Does Kevin Youkilis move across the diamond to 1st base? Maybe.

Gammons said on ESPN that they probably won't announce the trade for a couple of days pending physicals, but if this happens it will be a very good thing for the Sox.