"Manny Ramirez wearing a Marlins uniform?

As implausible as that sounds, a blockbuster trade that would bring the enigmatic Red Sox outfielder to South Florida gained strength late Wednesday as the Marlins, Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates hammered out the framework of a mega-deal.

But some Boston media outlets were also reporting that the complicated deal was unlikely.

The Marlins weren't saying much of anything.

''Not now, guys,'' president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said as he waded through a crowd of reporters while making a timeout signal after the Marlins' 7-5 victory over the New York Mets.

According to some reports, the Marlins would send outfielder Jeremy Hermida and several minor-league prospects to Boston, which would then send those players to Pittsburgh for outfielder Jason Bay and left-handed reliever John Grabow.

The Marlins would receive Ramirez, a prospect and enough cash ($6.7 million) to satisfy the remainder of this season's salary for the colorful outfielder.

One potential stumbling block: sources said the Tampa Bay Rays were continuing to talk to the Pirates about obtaining Bay, who would be the key to any deal involving the Red Sox.

Ramirez, an 11-time All-Star who is unsatisfied in Boston and has asked to be dealt, has said he would waive the no-trade clause in his contract in order to complete a deal.

The Marlins, who closed to within 1 ½ games of the lead in the National League East, are trying to make a playoff run but have no intention of hanging onto Ramirez after the season.

Marlins president David Samson on Wednesday would neither confirm nor deny the reports during his weekly radio show on 790 The Ticket with host Dan Le Batard.

''It takes two to tango,'' Samson said. ``We're not going to be stupid, though. We're not going to make a trade that's going to hurt us in coming years. But, on the other hand, you know us. We'll do just about anything.''

There is a strong possibility the deal could also crumble before Thursday's 4 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline. In that case, the Marlins likely would lower their sights and go after a left-handed reliever -- perhaps Seattle's Arthur Rhodes or San Francisco's Jack Taschner -- or a catcher, with Gerald Laird, Bengie Molina and Gregg Zaun being the names mentioned most often."