The Boston Red Sox traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday for righthanded reliever Ramon Ramirez.

Acquired from Cleveland midway through the 2006 season, Crisp is best known for his defence.

In 2007, he set a franchise mark for most consecutive errorless chances by an outfielder with 429.

Despite the persistent trade rumours, Crisp played in 118 games for the Red Sox last season, batting .283 with a .344 on-base percentage. He had seven home runs and 41 RBI.

Ramirez, 27, was a key part of the Royals` bullpen, appearing in 71 games in 2008, going 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings.