MIAMI -- As the Marlins and Red Sox on Tuesday continued ironing out particulars on a blockbuster trade that will move Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston, Florida president David Samson was announcing the franchise is exploring relocation.

Without giving a specific number, Samson said there will be a significant payroll reduction to reflect the revenues generated by the market.

The 2005 Marlins enjoyed a franchise-record $65 million in player salaries. That figure likely will be reduced to around $40 million.

"It's a market correction," Samson said. "You will know when it happens. There will be a team that this market can afford to have."

The pending trade of Beckett and Lowell to the Red Sox, which is expected to be finalized once physicals are completed, is the first in what's expected to be a string of big deals.

By parting with Beckett and Lowell, the Marlins will trim about $13.5 million.

From Boston, the Marlins are receiving three Minor Leaguers: prize shortstop prospect Hanley Ramirez, along with pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Jesus Delgado.

Ramirez, who spent this past season in Double-A, is expected to challenge for the starting shortstop position.

On Tuesday, Samson didn't confirm any pending trades, but he did say the club has advanced negotiations with a number of their players.

Expected to be traded before the start of Spring Training are Carlos Delgado, Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo and Paul Lo Duca.

"It will be a young team," Samson said. "There is no question about that. I don't know how to answer if it will be a competitive team."

Samson explained the team's difficult financial situation with new manager Joe Girardi, who replaces Jack McKeon.

"Joe is excited to be the manager," Samson said. "There are only 30 managers in the league, and he's excited to be our manager. He looks forward to Spring Training."

In 2003, the Marlins won the World Series with a comparatively low payroll, in the $52 million range.

Asked if the team can be competitive the next few seasons as the club explores a permanent home, Samson said: "Teams with big payrolls sometimes aren't competitive. And teams with small payrolls sometimes win the World Series. I don't know how to answer that."

When the Marlins resolve their stadium dilemma, either in South Florida or in another market, Samson said team owner Jeffrey Loria will be in better position to pay higher salaries.

"Jeffrey's commitment to winning, his commitment to signing players, is unparalleled," Samson said. "His commitment to putting a competitive team on the field for the fans and himself has not wavered. As a matter of fact, when a stadium deal is done, here or somewhere else, I assure you, the payroll will rise again. That is Jeffrey's focus.

"For now, we must focus on the name in front of the jersey, not on the names on back of the jerseys. On the front of the jersey it says Florida Marlins. And our focus must be to make sure we get a stadium deal done. But in the meantime, we are going to have to look elsewhere and explore relocation because time has run out."