From the Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant.
While the Rangers, according to a club source, inched forward Sunday and agreed to include one of their top two pitching prospects along with third baseman Hank Blalock in a deal for Beckett and Mike Lowell, the Marlins were also considering an offer from Boston.
A major league source said the Marlins were weighing the two offers. The Rangers, according to a club source, hope to have the situation resolved by today. Otherwise, they will turn their attention back to free agency.
“It doesn’t benefit anyone for me to comment on trade speculation,” said Rangers GM Jon Daniels.
On Saturday, Rangers sources said if the team included left-hander John Danks, the club’s top pick in 2003, a deal could be struck by the end of the weekend. The Rangers were not willing to go that far on Saturday, but had reconsidered Sunday. The Rangers are now willing to give Florida its choice of Danks or 2004 No. 1 pick Thomas Diamond.
The Red Sox are the lone remaining obstacle. Boston is reportedly offering shortstop prospect Hanley Ramirez (above) and one of its own pitching prospects, either right-hander Anibal Sanchez or left-hander Jon Lester.