In 2008, the Florida Marlins were making a push for the playoffs and were trying to make a splash at the trade deadline. Manny Ramirez had fallen out of favor with the Red Sox and they were looking to move the aging superstar.
The Red Sox were firm on making Pittsburgh Pirates star Jason Bay their new left fielder. Teams interested in Ramirez had to put together a package to entice the Pirates to pry away Jason Bay.
The Marlins worked busily behind the scenes to do just that.