Red Sox Leash Huskey From M's

Outfielder Butch Huskey was traded Monday from the Seattle Mariners to the Boston Red Sox for minor league left-hander Robert Ramsay.

Huskey, 27, was hitting .290 with 15 homers and 48 RBIs in 74 games with Seattle this season, but has been in a 31-for-135 (.230) slump since June 1. The trade saw Huskey land with his third team in less than a year.

"Butch Huskey is a professional hitter with right-handed power," Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette said. "We also like his versatility as he can play first base, right and left field, DH and back up third. Huskey will be an asset for our ballclub for not only the remainder of this season, but in the coming years as well."

The Mariners said they made the deal to clear up their crowded outfield.

"With Brian Hunter returning from the disabled list tomorrow we were heavy on outfielders," Mariners general manager Woody Woodward said. "Huskey did a good job for us while Buhner was out, but our outfield is Hunter, Ken Griffey Jr. and Buhner. "

"This move makes room for Hunter on the roster and allows us to add a quality young left-hander to our system. We believe Ramsay could be ready to contribute to our big league club as early as next season."

Huskey, acquired from the New York Mets late last year for Lesli Brea, is making $1.5 million this season.

Ramsay, 25, is 6-8 with a 5.35 ERA at Pawtucket of the Triple-A International League, allowing 114 hits in 114 1-3 innings with 79 strikeouts and 36 walks.

He led Red Sox minor league pitchers in strikeouts last season, fanning at team-record 166 in 162 2-3 innings at Double-A Trenton of the Eastern League. He was selected Boston's minor league pitcher of the year.

A native of Vancouver, Wash., Ramsay lives in Camas, Wash., and was a member of the Washington State Pac-10 North championship team in 1995.

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