There's been speculation all morning, but Dick Kaegel of MLB.com reports it's a done deal: the Sox have acquired 27-year old reliever Ramon Ramirez from the Kansas City Royals for Coco Crisp.

It's an interesting - and seemingly equal - deal for both clubs. The Royals could use Coco's defense in center in spite of the fact that they seem to be stockpiling outfielders at this point, and the Sox have some issues in the back end of the bullpen - Timlin's likely done, Delcarmen was wildly inconsistent last year, and they may toy with the idea of shifting Masterson back to being a starter - that will help be resolved by Ramirez's acquisition.

Ramirez pitched 71.2 innings last year and posted a 3-2 record, 1.23 WHIP, 2.64 ERA, 21 holds, 70 Ks, 31 BB. He made just $397,000 and won't reach free agency until after the 2012 season. In contrast, Coco's on the books for $5.75 million next year with an $8 million club option for 2010 ($500,000 buyout). I wouldn't exactly label this move a salary dump, but Ramirez's value is made greater due to his very manageable salary.

It's not a season-altering trade by any means, and some people thought the Sox could probably get more after Coco exploded at the end of the season and in the playoffs, but it looks solid on paper.