Marlins to unload stars for prospects

Team gets permission to explore relocation

One reason John Henry sold the Marlins was the lack of government money for a new ballpark. Florida's failure to get a stadium deal is helping Henry, now the owner of the Boston Red Sox, obtain one of baseball's best young pitchers.
Only physicals stand in the way of a trade that would bring 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell to Boston for three prospects: shortstop Hanley Ramirez and right-handed pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Jesus Delgado.
The preliminary agreement was confirmed Monday by a baseball official who did not want to be identified because the physicals had not been completed.
The Marlins received permission from the commissioner's office to explore a move after 2007 season. Las Vegas and Portland, Ore., are likely to try to lure the franchise.