FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox confirmed they’ve been informed that Manny Ramirez has switched agents, dropping Greg Genske in favor of Scott Boras.

If the Sox decided to exercise their options for 2009 and 2010, Boras’ role will be negligible, since the Sox hold controlling authority over Ramirez – if they so choose – for two more seasons after this.

Should the Sox decide that they would like to retain Ramirez, but don’t want to pay the $20 million salary for 2009 or 2010, they might find themselves negotiating with Boras on a restructured extension.

Finally, if the Sox decide not to exercise the options, Boras will help navigate Ramirez through the free-agent market for the first time since the end of the 2000 season, when Ramirez was then represented by Jeff Moorad.

With the addition of Ramirez to his client list, Ramirez now lays claim to nearly a third of the Red Sox projected 25-man roster. He also represents Jason Varitek, Alex Cora, Jacoby Ellsbury, J.D. Drew, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Julian Tavarez.