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Epstein "Sure" Lowell Will Be Re-Signed
Here's what Theo Epstein had to say on Mike Lowell last night:
(Re-signing Lowell is) a priority for the offseason, and I’m sure we’ll be able to get something done. We have a desire to keep him here a long time. He’s a core member of the organization. It’s just not the time to talk about that.
Does a long time mean three years? It's hard to see Lowell accepting a deal for two. Lowell didn't want to talk about the situation either last night, understandably. But his reaction to Epstein's comments was reserved.
If the Red Sox win the World Series, perhaps the Red Sox will be "forced" to go beyond what they consider a reasonable number of years, as happened with Jason Varitek.
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Changes the A-Rod angle a bit, doesn't it?
Posted by: FineHamAbounds | October 26, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Instead, how about Crisp, Bard and Carter for Atkins?
Posted by: EM3 | October 26, 2007 at 01:07 PM
eh, its probably the best situation for the red sox. i never really saw a-rod working here, and any young player, not named garret atkins would have been as big a risk. the only alternative i liked more and was actually realistic would be youk to third dunn at first, but i dont think the sox would want to downgrade defensively at both corners like that. this probably means kevin youkilis is now a career first baseman, which disapoints me personally, as his offense would look alot nicer at third base, and he would be at least adequate at third, he is a very good first baseman defensively tho. this isnt the red sox absolute best option but its pretty far from their worst as well.
Posted by: anthoneytheghost | October 26, 2007 at 01:34 PM
I hope Theo is posturing here. Mike Lowell has been huge for the Sox, but he's 33 and coming off a career year. There's little chance he'll hit anywhere near .324/.378/.501 next year, let alone over the next three.
I don't buy the Varitek comparison. There is such a dearth of hitting catchers in MLB that the Sox had to lock him up. The FA/trade possibilities at 3B or 1B are much more numerous.
The Sox FO will probably make Lowell what they consider a fair offer (3 years, $14 million). Lowell will politely decline and sign for 4 / $64 million with the Yankees, replenishing their stable of grizzled veterans, while replacing ARod. The Sox will either sign ARod or trade for someone like Atkins.
Posted by: Andrew F | October 26, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I'm sure it's been mentioned here before, but Atkins' career line away from Coors is .269/.344/.437. I get that he's young and relatively cheap (for now) but I'm still not sure why he gets so much love.
Posted by: Bourne's_Identities | October 26, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Atkins line away from Coors is very similar to Lowell's away from Fenway. Here are the #'s from 2007:
Atkins:
(H) .349/.409/.527/.936
(A) .254/.327/.446/.773
A difference of 163 in OPS.
Lowell:
(H) .373/.418/.575/.993
(A) .276/.339/.428/.767
A difference of 226 in OPS.
They both benefit tremendously from their home parks. Their away numbers make them look like league average guys. Their home numbers make them look like superstars. The actual truth is somewhere in between. They are solid 3rd baseman but not guys you build a franchise around.
Posted by: bjsguess | October 26, 2007 at 02:49 PM
i like the idea of posturing to entice a-rod into opting out (thinking he has a chance with the red sox)...a-rod bites, lowell resigns in boston, and the yanks are forced to either pay through the nose for alex or settle for a substandard corner infielder. the more they pay, or anyone else for that matter, the less money to spend on the rest of the team (like their pitching needs).
yes, i realize the yankees have more coin than god, but it's still fun to see that the highest payroll in professional sports still can't buy a championship. anyone with a-rod on their roster won't be winning a title, so i hope he sticks with the yanks.
Posted by: will | October 26, 2007 at 02:57 PM
will, Theo's posturing would likely entice A-Rod to NOT opt-out, as resigning Lowell takes the Red Sox off the A-Rod market. Whatever he's doing, it has nothing to do with A-Rod.
Posted by: Andrew | October 26, 2007 at 05:01 PM
It does seem like a pretty stupid comment from a normally tight lipped front office.
Posted by: ArodSucksAtLife | October 27, 2007 at 04:37 AM
Sweet Jesus I'm late to the party, but if they'd consider Atkins, then you HAVE to consider trying to trade for Dunn and moving Youks to 3B.
The drop in D from Lowell to Atkins would be HUGE, no matter what Tim McCarver or Joe Buck might tell me. If you're going to do that, might as well get a guy whose batting splits aren't as pronounced. Surely the Reds are interested in some more young arms for DB to ruin, right?
Posted by: QuoSF | October 28, 2007 at 02:50 AM
I know Lowell is one of the best but do you realize that Atkins is a young, gold glove caliber third baseman?
Posted by: Grant77 | October 28, 2007 at 11:37 PM