Committed to switching rookie closer Jonathan Papelbon to the starting rotation, the Sox do not want a repeat of 2003, when they did not have an identifiable closer until GM Theo Epstein traded for Byung-Hyun Kim two months into the season. But yesterday, it appeared they were making little progress toward achieving their goal.
According to someone who was at the meeting, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti told his people yesterday morning that a deal with the Red Sox for Ramírez was ‘‘the longest of long shots.’’ One Dodgers official rated the chances of a deal ‘‘at 5 percent ... at best.’’
The Angels consider Rodriguez all but untouchable, and Shields isn’t too far behind.
Mariners GM Bill Bavasi acknowledged talking to the Sox about Ramírez, but with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm that a deal might be struck.
‘‘We met with them and we’ll probably meet again and that’ll be that,’’ said Bavasi, who is believed to be more willing to unload slugger Richie Sexson than either of his relievers. ‘‘I’d be surprised if he winds up here. This is not just trying to make a trade. They want a lot back in return.’’
The names the Sox are seeking in return for Ramírez only begin with closers. With the Dodgers, they have asked about prized outfield prospect Matt Kemp, third base prospect Andy LaRoche, and first base prospect James Loney.
With the Angels, shortstop Orlando Cabrera, a catalyst to the Sox’ run to the 2004 World Series, has been mentioned, along with young pitchers Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver.
With the Padres, who all but dropped out of the Manny mix when it became clear that more than setup man Scott Linebrink would be required to do a deal, ace Jake Peavy was the desired target.
With the Mariners, Sexson and outfield prospect Adam Jones were the names being mentioned.
The proposed three-way with the Giants? Details were scant, but Nationals shortstop Felipe Lopez was a speculated piece of the action.
