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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Report scores and results to 425-339-3470 or 1-866-6-SCORES (Call after 4:30 p.m.) E-mail information including items for Tuesday's Communities Sports Roundup and Thursday's Outdoor Calendar, to sports@heraldnet.com Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Red Sox trade Coco Crisp to Royals for reliever Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals picked up the leadoff hitter they had been seeking on Wednesday, acquiring center fielder Coco Crisp from the Boston Red Sox for reliever Ramon Ramirez. Kansas City was 12th among 14 AL teams in runs last season and added power last month, obtaining up first baseman Mike Jacobs from Florida. The switch-hitting Crisp gives the Royals speed at the top of the lineup and a superb defender in center field who has World Series experience. "The speed aspect of it was very important," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "I've talked many times about the importance of a balanced lineup, speed at the top and the bottom, and Coco certainly gives us that." The 29-year-old was the subject of trade rumors for much of last season following the emergence of rookie Jacoby Ellsbury. The two split time in center, with Crisp hitting .283 with seven homers and 41 RBI in 98 games. He also stole 20 bases in 27 attempts, the third-straight season he's reached the 20-steal mark. Crisp hit .417 (10-for-24) in the playoffs, driving in the tying run in the eighth inning to complete Boston's comeback from a 7-0 deficit in Game 5 of the AL championship series against Tampa Bay. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said Crisp's offense never completely rebounded after Crisp broke his finger in 2006 -- Crisp's first of three seasons with Boston. A career .280 hitter, Crisp is due to make $5.75 million next season in a deal that includes an $8 million club option for 2010 with a $500,000 buyout. Boston gained some financial savings while adding a quality right-hander to its bullpen. Kansas City received Ramirez in a trade with Colorado before last season. The Royals were so impressed with his stuff that they projected him to be their closer. With a fastball that reaches the mid-90s, Ramirez is a power pitcher who seems suited for the late innings. He was one of the primary setup men for closer Joakim Soria and flourished in that spot, going 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings. Ramirez figures to play a setup role for closer Jonathan Papelbon in Boston and could send Justin Masterson back to the rotation, where he feels more comfortable. "(He) gives us the flexibility to start Masterson," Epstein said. "Ramirez potentially could replace Masterson in the pen." Epstein said the Red Sox hope to replace Crisp with a right-handed fourth outfielder who can play center. He probably will look outside the organization. The loss of Ramirez creates a hole in the middle of the Kansas City bullpen that likely will need to be filled from outside the. "I think it's safe to assume there's possible changes, but if we have to begin the season with the core group we finished the season with, it can be managed easily," Moore said.

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