According to this article by Denver pundit Tracy Ringolsby, Boston and Minnesota are essentially in agreement in 3 out of the 4 players to be traded for Johan Santana.

Both sides have agreed upon the following three players: Jed Lowrie, Jon Lester, and Justin Masterson.

The one guy I would miss most out of these three is Lowrie, who would probably be a nice fit at SS for Boston right now (Julio Lugo’s quasi-albatross contract notwithstanding).   Luckily, were talking about acquiring the best pitcher of the 21st century while he is still in the prime of his career.  Fine.  I’ll pack Jed’s bags for him.

Lester is a very likable kid with an amazing story, a story I appreciate and relate to on a personal level.  That said, his ceiling is a middle of the rotation starter, if he gets his location under control.  Pack his bags.

Justin Masterson is a complete wildcard.  Nothing is guaranteed, he could become anywhere from a journeyman reliever to a durable sinkerball starter in the mold of Derek Lowe.  Luckily, with a handful of other promising arms in the system (Buchholz, Bowden, Richardson, Hagadone, ect.), the Sox can afford to deal a guy of his ilk.  Pack his bags.

Ringolsby reports that the holdup is this:  Minnesota insists on Jacoby Ellsbury as the 4th player, while Boston insists on dealing Coco Crisp instead.   I documented my thoughts on this here, and I’ll reiterate it:  The difference in value between Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury is not as high as is generally perceived.

Throw in Ellsbury and wrap this up, says this observer.