Red Sox trade Coco Crisp to Royals

(AP) - The Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez.

The 29-year-old Crisp was the subject of trade rumors for much of last season following the emergence of rookie Jacoby Ellsbury. The two split time in center, with Crisp hitting .283 with seven homers and 41 RBIs in 98 games during the regular season.

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein says Ramirez figures to play a setup role for closer Jonathan Papelbon and could allow the team to put Justin Masterson back into the starting rotation, where he feels more comfortable.

Ramirez posted a 2.64 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 71 and two-thirds innings for Kansas City this past season. He said through a translator that he was "ecstatic" to be playing for a contender.

Epstein says the Red Sox hope to replace Crisp with a right-handed fourth outfielder who can play center. He probably will look outside the organization.