So today is the first day of free agency for one Mike Lowell. Mike, who was the “throw in” in the Josh Beckett deal has been stellar for the Sox. After a year of getting used to playing in the AL, Mike was awesome for the Sox in 2007, capping off the season with a World Series MVP. Viewed by many as a bridge in the clubhouse between the Spanish speaking players and the English speaking players, Mike has been a consumate professional with the Sox.
Now Mike turns 34 in the Spring. For the Sox to sign him to a 4 year deal would meen the Sox would be paying a 37 year old to play third base. They need to seriously look at what’s out there and weigh their options. I say a 3 year guarenteed deal in the neighborhood of $39-$42 million with a mutual option for the forth year is as far as I would take it, if I were Theo. I just hope that he has pride enough in himself that he doesn’t sign with the Spanks. Come on Mike, you’re better than that.
Options if he doesn’t come back include Florida’s candy consuming, ever growing, CC Sabathia and Bartolo Colon have nothing on me, Miguel Cabrera. ESPN reported that this “kid” actually has a candy store in the club house http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2944052 . If the Sox go that route, I say move him to first and let Gold Glove Winning, face forest Kevin Youkilis move to his natural position at third. The other option being floated is that the Orioles are shopping Tejada and that he’d be willing to move to third (a la Gay-Rod). Coming off injuries to his wrist and a couple sub-par seasons, Cabrerra looks like the better option of the two.
And of course the before mentioned Alex Rodriguez. As great a baseball player as he is, I say that there’s no way I would want a cancer like him in the clubhouse. He’s a cheating (on his wife and in baseball), selfish player that looks out for no one but himself. At his previous rate of $25 million a year, maybe, but at Satan Boras’s request of $30 million a year for 10 years, no thank you. You don’t want to pay Lowell when he’s 37, but you’re willing to pay Gay-Rod till he’s 42?!? No way
We’ll see how it all plays out. The guys in the clubhouse want him back, the fans wants him back too. Hopefully Theo and “the trio” make it happen. At $20 for a bleacher seat, you can’t cry poor mouth anymore. Get it done
Good Job Honey!!
I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but it is good to see Middleoak Ins is spending its wages wisely and efficiently
I agree that A-rod is not worth the money. I also have a tough time seeing V-tech and that lip balm wearing, primadonna in the same clubhouse… How would that introduction go ? – “Hi Alex, how have you been since I bodyslammed you on the baseline between home plate and 1st base ?”
I agree that the possibility of having an infielder that gains 50 lbs. over the course of a 162 – game season (220 lbs. – 270 lbs.) definately should be looked at closely before trading away young, affordable, pitching talent.
Therefore, Mike Lowell would undoubtably be the team’s best option. I do not think that the Sox will offer him more than 3 yrs guaranteed at about 12 – 13 million per year though.
Mike Lowell is hot.
Who is Mike Lowell?
Nice work… but keep your day job..!!!
I’ll tune in weekly (BTW: it reads well with beer)
[...] looking back on my first column on the blog and it was just two years ago that I was saying the Sox needed to bring back Mike Lowell. In fact I [...]