JUPITER, Fla. ? The stands were full for the Florida Marlins' spring-training game Wednesday, thanks to the drawing power of the visiting team, the Boston Red Sox. For Mike Lowell and Alex Gonzalez, it was part of a transition - and a taste of what's to come.

 

Lowell and Gonzalez were among the Marlins who departed during the team's off-season payroll purge, and both found a new home with the Red Sox, where they've already noticed a difference in the fan following.

 

And the first game at Fenway Park is more than a month away.

 

"Big crowds every night - it'll be very different from Pro Player Stadium," said Gonzalez, who played a full season for the Portland Sea Dogs in 1997.

 

The Marlins' poor attendance, ravaged roster and uncertain future made parting less painful for Gonzalez and Lowell. They helped Florida win the World Series in 2003, and now they'll have a shot at another ring in one of baseball's best markets.

 

"I just want to win. Our team can compete for a world championship, and that's a good feeling," said Lowell.

 

A third ex-Marlin on the Red Sox roster is right-hander Josh Beckett, who pitched Monday and didn't make the trip Wednesday.

 

Lowell and Beckett were acquired in a deal that sent four players to Florida, including prospect Hanley Ramirez, Gonzalez's likely successor at shortstop in Miami. Gonzalez signed with Boston as a free agent last month.

 

The new left side of the infield will help determine Boston's fortunes. Lowell and Gonzalez combined to hit 50 home runs in 2004, but totaled only 13 last year.

 

"There have been ups and downs with both of them," Red Sox Manager Terry Francona said. "If we can just get it in the middle, that's what we're hoping for."

 

n Top infield prospect Hanley Ramirez, a Portland Sea Dog a year ago who was traded to Florida, went 3 for 3 and scored three times to lead the Marlins over the Boston Red Sox 12-1 at Viera, Fla.

 

Ramirez tripled and singled twice against his former organization. The front-runner for the Marlins' shortstop job, Ramirez was acquired in an off-season trade that sent Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett to the Red Sox.

 

Rookie Dan Uggla hit a two-run homer, a double and a sacrifice fly for the young Marlins, who had 16 hits and scored in every inning. They improved to 5-1.

 

"It's important for them to get confidence playing at this level," Manager Joe Girardi said. "And when I say playing at this level, I mean by winning."

 

Boston totaled three hits against six pitchers. Starter Renyel Pinto threw two scoreless innings getting the win.

 

Red Sox starter David Pauley gave up three runs and five hits in three innings and was the loser.

 

NATIONALS: GM Jim Bowden was angry following a 7-4, 10-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Center fielder Marlon Byrd's 10th-inning error allowed the tie-breaking run to score, and the Nationals dropped to 1-6 in spring training with one tie. On Tuesday, the Nationals were routed by Florida, 22-12.

 

"I have been embarrassed the last two days," Bowden said. "There's going to be major cuts in the next 48 hours. It's time to take it to another level. I just don't want to be embarrassed. That's all I ask."

 

Washington tied the score 4-all in the ninth. After Byrd's error in the 10th, Junior Spivey hit a two-run single.

 

"I just don't know why we can't throw and catch the ball," Nationals Manager Frank Robinson said. "Am I embarrassed by it? Not really. I'd like for us to be sharper."

 

PIRATES: Sean Casey was struck in the helmet by a pitch from Cincinnati left-hander Michael Gosling in the third inning of a split-squad exhibition game Wednesday.

 

Casey, who had minor swelling above his right eye, lay on the ground for about 30 seconds as the crowd was silenced and Gosling covered his head while crouching in front of the mound. Casey went to first base and left the game after the inning.

 

Casey faced Cincinnati for the first time since the December trade that sent him to his hometown team. He played eight years for the Reds.

 

"Yeah, I thought I had some friends over here," Casey said with a laugh. "But, hey, that's baseball. It happens. The ball got away from him. That's the way it goes. You take that risk every time you get in the batter's box."

 

TRADE: Infielder Alex Cintron was acquired by the Chicago White Sox from Arizona for pitcher Jeff Bajenaru.

 

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i wish nothing but the best for them, their bats and glove with forever be missed