Bosox deal Gonzalez, Beckett and Crawford to L.A.

(AP) BOSTON - The Boston Red Sox sent first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, pitcher Josh Beckett and outfielder Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Saturday, parting with the high-priced stars in a nine-player trade that was the biggest swap in Los Angeles' history.

The floundering Red Sox also Boston also sent infielder Nick Punto and cash to the Dodgers. The Red Sox acquired first baseman James Loney, pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan De Jesus and two players to be named.

"We continue to do everything in our power to strengthen our team for the stretch drive in an effort to reach the postseason," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said in a statement. "This trade today exemplifies ownership's commitment to making the team as good as possible not only for 2012 but for many seasons to come."

The Dodgers are chasing San Francisco for the NL West title and are in the midst of the wild-card race.

For the Red Sox, far back for postseason contention, the trade dismantled the underperforming ballclub and gives them a chance to rebuild without their hefty contracts. Boston stood to save $261 million in salary through 2018 — it was not known how much cash it sent to the Dodgers.

Earlier in the day, the lockers of Gonzalez, Beckett and Crawford in the Fenway Park clubhouse had already been cleared out. Boston pitcher John Lackey had already claimed Beckett's locker and the others' were left with generic nameplates.

Gonzalez, a former San Diego Padres star, said on Twitter in English and Spanish that he was excited to get back to California. Beckett joined the social media site to thank Red Sox fans, and Punto posted a picture of the three of them on what appears to be a private jet with the caption, "(hash)dodgers doing it first class!"