Congrats to Cubs, Red Sox, and Diamondbacks fans! What a finish this year has been.
At the beer-soaked madness that was Fenway last night, Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner dubbed Mike Lowell the team’s MVP. The Boston Globe reports when Principal Owner John Henry was asked if Mike Lowell would be retained, he said, "In Florida, Mike played for me three years, my first three years [as Marlins owner]. We sort of grew up in the game together. It would be a wonderful thing."
As Tim pointed out here, Lowell could be open to a 2 year, $22MM contract to stay in Boston. But Lowell has seen a gradual resurgence in offensive production, filling in effectively for the injured Manny Ramirez, hitting .325 this year with 20 HR and 118 RBI, an all-time club best for Red Sox third basemen. Not to mention he plays arguably the best defense at his position in the American League. And when you consider the only other two third basemen certain to enter free agency are Pedro Feliz and Mike Lamb, I suspect the market will be ripe for a talent like Mike Lowell.
While they can move Kevin Youkilis back to third, expect the Sox to make an offer to Lowell. I would anticipate a 2 year deal, $20-24MM.
Posted by: Nat Boyle
