The rumored trade for Cleveland outfielder Coco Crisp is in jeopardy after reliever Guillermo Mota fails a physical with the Indians.

01:00 AM EST on Wednesday, January 25, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Red Sox' long-rumored trade for Cleveland outfielder Coco Crisp is in jeopardy, though not necessarily dead.

The deal -- which would have sent Crisp, relief pitcher David Riske and catcher Josh Bard to Boston for third-base prospect Andy Marte, reliever Guillermo Mota and catcher Kelly Shoppach -- hit a snag yesterday when Mota failed a physical with the Indians. The 32-year-old setup man has suffered from elbow problems over the last two years, and Cleveland insisted on his passing a physical as a condition of the trade. The Indians found the results of the exam unsatisfactory, threatening to derail the deal.

It's possible the Red Sox could restructure the package to give Cleveland the bullpen help it's seeking in the wake of the departure of key setup man Bobby Howry, who signed as a free agent with the Cubs earlier this offseason, and the anticipated loss of lefty Arthur Rhodes, who is slated to be dealt to the Phillies for outfielder Jason Michaels.

But the Sox' two remaining veteran setup relievers, Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez, both were acquired as free agents, and the Sox are forbidden by the collective bargaining agreement between the owners and players from trading newly signed free agents until midseason.

Ironically, Mota came to the Red Sox when the Sox themselves expressed concern over the condition of Josh Beckett's right elbow during their trade talks with the Marlins. Florida agreed to include Mota in the deal as a hedge against the Sox' worries about Beckett.

Cleveland -- which repeatedly has said it would not agree to a one-for-one deal involving Crisp and Marte -- was close to acquiring Michaels from the Phillies as Crisp's replacement, with veteran reliever Arthur Rhodes expected to go to Philadelphia. That trade, too, is on hold.

If they're unable to acquire Crisp, the Sox are left with few options to fill their center-field hole. They've shown an interest in Seattle's Jeremy Reed, but the Mariners' asking price of veteran starter Bronson Arroyo and prized pitching prospect Jon Lester has been deemed too steep by the Sox.

In other Sox news, pitcher Jeremi Gonzalez -- who went 2-1 with a 6.11 E.R.A. in 28 games for Boston last season and was a surprise addition to the playoff roster in October -- signed a minor-league contract with the Mets yesterday.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340