Re-Sign Mike Lowell

[Boston's Future]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/29/sport ... ei=5087%0A

But there is no guarantee that Lowell will be back with the Red Sox in 2008. Not when the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, another third baseman, could become a free agent, too. The Red Sox were enamored with Rodriguez when they tried to acquire him from the Texas Rangers in 2003, and those feelings could resurface.

While Lowell is focused on helping the Red Sox clinch the American League East, he, like those fans chanting in Chicago, occasionally wonders if he will be back next season. Ortiz, one of the most powerful voices on the team, has said the Red Sox should re-sign Lowell.

"I'd be lying if I said I never thought about, but I'm not consumed by it," Lowell said. "I know I'm going to sign somewhere next year. I obviously have my preferences. We'll see what happens."

Although Rodriguez has three years and $81 million left on his 10-year, $252 million contract, he is expected to exercise a clause to opt out of the deal and become a free agent. The Yankees will likely offer Rodriguez an extension in the 15-day period after the World Series when they can negotiate with him exclusively. But they have said they will not try to sign him as a free agent.

If Rodriguez becomes a free agent and the Yankees stick by their public comments and do not pursue him, the Red Sox would be one of the teams trying to sign him. With the Yankees out of the picture, the Los Angeles Angels may be the favorites to corral Rodriguez for a whopping price tag.

The Yankees could end up trying to sign Lowell as a replacement. Lowell, who would want at least a three-year deal, began his career with the Yankees and played briefly for the 1998 team that won 125 games and a World Series title. He is no A-Rod, but he is a cheaper alternative.

"I'm not stressing over it at all," Lowell said. "I think I'm in a good position."

Not even Lowell figured that he would knock in more runs than Ortiz (88) and Ram

[Bleeding Green]

Did you really just make like 8 threads.

At least add some depth to them or something. Jeez.

[Boston's Future]

Seems like I'm the only active person around here anyway

Well here ya go, the Sox offer Lowell a 3 year contract right after the season ends, they can't just simply let him walk. If he rejects it, then go after A-Rod if he's avialbe. If not, trade for Miguel Cabrera or another 3B OR move Youk to third and trade for a 1B

[sunshinekids99]

While I really like Lowell, I think he's played himself out of what the Red Sox would want to give him. He's had a great year and somebody will bite with a big contract.

[Boston's Future]

Well we can't just simply let him walk. We don't have any good prospects that can play thirdbase, and I don't know of any big name 3rdbaseman free agents. It seems like A-Rod is gonna go to the Cubs. How comfortable would Youk be going back to third? Who would the options then be to play first? 3 years 36 million for Lowell, at the most

[sunshinekids99]

Chris Carter is an option to play first base next season if they wanted to move Youk to third. Although he's sure not known to have a good glove.

Free Agency wise not a whole lot at first base. Doubt he would ever be healthy enough but Mike Sweeney is the biggest name there.

Same deal at third minus Arod and Lowell.

As much as I like Lowell I don't think they over spend to bring him back to Boston.

[GreenGrizz]

I would rather have someone younger with more power. Ortiz and Manny look starting to fade. We have enough speed and hitting talent. We could use more power hitters. Lowell is not that case unless he accepts what the Red Sox can afford.

[sunshinekids99]

Lowell doesn't hit for power? Since when? Lowell is 6th among third baseman in OPS. Also 6th in slugging. Top 5 is Arod, Aramis Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera, Chipper Jones, and David Wright. So I'm really not think Lowell's power is an issue.

[Boston's Future]

Chris Carter can't play defense to save his life, with the free agent market non exitant for good corner infielders, Lowell must be brought back. Unless the Sox can pull off a trade that is. Which i think we can with the chips we have.

[Basketball Jesus]

I would rather have someone younger with more power. Ortiz and Manny look starting to fade.

Hunh? Ortiz is having the best season of his career.

[sunshinekids99]

Chris Carter can't play defense to save his life, with the free agent market non exitant for good corner infielders, Lowell must be brought back. Unless the Sox can pull off a trade that is. Which i think we can with the chips we have.

From what I've read Carter has worked on his glove and has improved. I haven't seen him first hand, but I'm not sure he's the butcher that some people seem to think he is out there.

[Chach]

At the start of the season, I was all for letting Lowell walk. But if he's willing to accept a two year deal at good money, I'm willing to re-sign him to that. 3 years or more is when I start to buck myself. He's having a career year on his FA season after having half a good season in the past two. I'm sorry if I am weary of long term commitments. mahalo
~Chach~

[Bleeding Green]

I say let him walk; those draft picks he brings back are worth a lot. Then sign A-Rod. Or trade for Chase Headley/Kevin Kouzmanoff.

[Markos]

or put Lowrie there

[sunshinekids99]

I doubt Lowrie is even an option. I'd assume in the long shot that it is it would be Lugo who was moved to third. The team needs to bring someone in who can hit for power.

[celtsloyalty]

Two great seasons from him so far.. I would much rather bring him back for a third of the price of a rod.