I have heard the news and Boston.com confirms: Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez to the Florida Marlins for Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett.

A first I was a little shocked. But after thinking about this more thoroughly, the deal makes sense.

• The starting rotation is improved dramatically. Even with his blister woes, Beckett becomes the No. 1 starter - yes, even ahead of Curt Schilling.
• Defense is improved at the hot corner, believe it or not. Lowell a boasting a .983 fielding percentage - better than any other third baseman in Major League Baseball.
• The organization shows its fans that it is serious about putting a competitive team on the field.

Now some may think that we are giving up too much, but two prospects (Ramirez and Sanchez) is equal value for a 25-year-old veteran stud pitcher like Beckett. Beckett could conceivably be in Boston for quite awhile. To make it work, the Red Sox have got to sign this kid to a long-term, big-time contract. Pitchers don't usually reach their prime until they are 29, so look for the Sox to offer at least a five-year deal very soon.

Beckett also has to be tougher. In Boston, he will be placed in a spotlight that will highlight his every flaw. He'll have to find a way to cure his blisters and quickly. Last year he showed much promise in handling the issue, but still ended up missing a few starts.

Mike Lowell offensive decline raises some question marks. In 1999, Lowell burst on the scene posting 12 HR in 97 games. In 2000, he became the everyday third baseman and, at 26 years old, hit 22 HRs and 91 RBIs. In 2001, he did 18 and 100; 2002: 24 and 92; 2003: 32 and 105; 2004: 27 and 85. Then the wheels came off.

Something happened between 2004 and 2005. He played in nearly every game last year but finished with only eight home runs and 58 RBIs. His totals were in fact lower than those of Bill Mueller. He also hit a career low .236.

It seems odd that a the Red Sox would take on such a huge contract for a defensive-minded 32-year-old. But that's the price of pitching. Some speculate that Lowell will be gone before being offered a uniform, but I think most teams would shy away from his contract.

If Lowell does stay (which I believe he will) a domino effect will take place.

I've been hearing for a couple of years now how great Hanley Ramirez was going to be. I went to Sea Dogs' games to get a glimpse of his talent. Defensively he rocks; offensively he still needs some work. He seems to also lack maturity, that's expected when you are almost 22.

After all the hype, I'm disappointed but not surprised that I will not see him play professionally for the Sox. I never thought he was the greatest fit for Boston anyway.

What's to become of Bill Mueller (a true baseball player and the best No. 8 hitter in the game)? He'll most likely be gone. I'll miss his professionalism.

What will become of Kevin Youkilis? Will he move to first? Sit on the bench another year as a back-up infielder? Is he now on the block?

Can we somehow work the deal to include Carlos Delgado?

So who needs a GM? Provided Beckett becomes long-term Bostonian this deal will go down as one of the best in the history of the franchise. While not quite on the same level as Heathcliff Slocumb for Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek, it is still very good.

A couple of more deals like this and I may actually learn to love this team like it was 2004.

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