Indians send Crisp to Red Sox in trade involving eight players

CLEVELAND -- Coco Crisp quickly became a fan favorite with Indians fans, winning them over with his catchy name, bubbly personality and solid skills.

The Red Sox Nation will be tougher to impress.

Crisp is bound for Boston after being traded Friday by the Cleveland Indians to the Red Sox, finally giving them a replacement for Johnny Damon in center field and at the leadoff spot in the batting order.

When it all shook out, eight players -- and maybe a ninth -- were moved by three teams and the Red Sox agreed to give the Indians at least $1 million. Commissioner Bud Selig had to approve the deal.

Along with Crisp, Cleveland sent reliever David Riske and backup catcher Josh Bard to Boston for reliever Guillermo Mota, third base prospect Andy Marte, catcher Kelly Shoppach, a player to be named and cash.

Before that deal was finalized, the Indians sent reliever Arthur Rhodes to Philadelphia for outfielder Jason Michaels.