Boston coup

Boston appears to have drawn first blood in the Hot Stove League by agreeing to trade two top prospects and a lower tier one to the Florida Marlins for pitcher Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell. The Marlins are drastically cutting payroll after failing to secure a new stadium.

Beckett who dominated the Yankees in the 2003 World Series is young, a horse and can be overpowering. He does though have a history of blisters and some questions about his shoulder despite being only 25.

It's a big addition to the Bosox rotation which went from being dominating in 2004 to wobbly in '05. Mike Lowell, an All-Star 2002-04, inexplicably had a horrible '05 campaign will displace Bill Mueller at third. This could be a huge lift for Boston if Beckett can avoid the 0.90 ERA ballooning that usually happens to NL pitchers who switch leagues and Lowell regains some of his all-star form. He's a terrific glove and only 32 so could be a small loss but possibly a big uptick for Boston.

The Yanks, meanwhile seemingly haven't made much progress so far other than the (key) re-signing of Hideki Matsui.