by By MICHAEL SILVERMAN , The Boston Herald

The 11th overall pick in 2002, Hermida's abilities have yet to develop to the Marlins' expectations. In addition, there was the potential for his $2.25 million salary in 2009 to increase in his second year of arbitration eligibility.

The Red Sox , meanwhile, feel this could be Hermida's time and place.

``Hermida's the kind of player who hasn't fulfilled his potential yet,'' Epstein said. ``We acquired him for a reasonable cost to see if he can fulfill his potential for us. There's a chance that he can turn into the player he was once thought to be.

``He's about to turn 26, he's about to turn into his prime years. Sometimes it makes sense to do deals like that at something we deemed to be a very reasonable cost.''

Hermida, a left-handed hitter, had a career-high 56 walks last season to go with 13 home runs and 47 RBI in 129 games. He is a career .265 hitter with 57 homers.

``I figured a trade was going to happen, it was just a matter of where and when,'' Hermida told the Miami Herald. ``I expect more out of myself than anybody else could. I definitely though I'd come up and do things different than the way they happened. I'm excited about a change in scenery and getting to a new place.''

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