As the Red Sox interviewed the first three candidates to replace departed general manager Theo Epstein, Boston acknowledged that it will explore trading All-Star outfielder Manny Ramirez. Washington general manager Jim Bowden, Minnesota assistant GM Wayne Krivsky and Atlanta assistant GM Dayton Moore interviewed with Red Sox chairman Tom Werner and president Larry Lucchino at a hotel near the annual general managers' meetings. The pair also met with Ramirez's agent, Greg Genske, and are scheduled to speak Friday in Boston with former Baltimore executive vice president Jim Beattie. Cleveland assistant GM Chris Antonetti turned down a chance to interview with the Red Sox. Ramirez's desire to be traded is complicated by his status as a 10-and-5 player -- a 10-year veteran who has been with the same team for five years. He cannot be dealt without his permission, so he can limit Boston's trading partners. ``There needs to be some give and take, or some exchange of preferences and places,'' Lucchino said Wednesday night. ``So, obviously we have to work together, and we told him we would be willing to explore that. He needs to give us some guidance.'' Ramirez is owed $19 million in 2006, $18 million in 2007 and $20 million in 2008, the final three guaranteed seasons of the $160 million, eight-year deal he agreed to with Boston before the 2001 season. He generally does not speak with reporters, but the Red Sox are aware of why he wants the team to explore a trade. ``It has something to do with the comfort level he has in Boston, the city of Boston,'' Lucchino said. ``I think it goes back to the basic decision to come here, when he made that decision. It goes back that far.'' Werner said a trade isn't a given. ``We'll explore it. I wouldn't be surprised if we conclude that it's best for the Boston Red Sox to retain his services,'' he said. ``We are sensitive to his desires but we'll end up doing what we think is in the best interest of the club.''