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Blocked Prospects: Jed Lowrie
Jed Lowrie is in Boston's starting lineup -- for now. Lowrie started at shortstop last night, and went 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI. In his debut Tuesday night, he went 1 for 4 with three RBIs. But don't expect Lowrie to be around for long. He's headed back to the minors as soon as Mike Lowell or Alex Cora returns form the DL.
Lowrie is a patient hitter with some power who can play multiple positions. Today, the Boston Globe reports that Lowrie spends time each day working with infield coachd Luis Alicea at second base, shortstop, and third base.
Boston's long-term plans for Lowrie are unclear. He's blocked at shortstop by Julio Lugo and at third by Lowell, who are both signed through 2010. And he's blocked at second by Dustin Pedroia, who is signed through 2012. Tim mentioned recently that Lowrie could bring something nice in a trade, but I think he'd be more valuable as a Ryan Freel-type utility player -- especially on a team with an aging third baseman, an aging left fielder and injury magnet J.D. Drew in right field.
For proof of just how valuable a good utility guy can be, look no further than Detroit's Brandon Inge, who is among Tigers team leaders in most major hitting categories and has seen time at catcher, third base and center field. Lowrie could be that kind of guy, and he would would cost a fraction of what the Tigers are paying Inge (or the Reds are paying Freel, for that matter). The Red Sox just have to teach Lowrie to play the outfield.
If you'll recall, Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton started last season as a super-utility player, while the Rays debated where he should play permanently. That experiment seemed a little insane at the time ("Oh, you can't handle one position? Try five!"), but actually worked out in the end. Maybe Lowrie will follow a similar path?
Coley Ward writes for Umpbump.com. You an reach him here.
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They really shouldn't deal Lowrie. The guy will probably never end up being a stud, but he'll give you some very good production from the shortstop position, and maybe get an all star appearance or two. Although the Red Sox also have Oscar Tejada in the low levels of their system, he's pretty far away. It'd make sense to hold onto Lowrie until Tejada develops, and if he does develop then deal Lowrie. If he doesn't develop then hold onto Lowrie long term. They win either way unless Lowrie busts.
Posted by: scribbletone | April 19, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I wish they would somehow eat the 9 million and start Lowrie over Lugo but they would never do that. Lugo gidp in another critical situation tonight - got to give him credit for being so consistent with that. Thank God Manny is so hot right now and bombed one way over the Monster to give the Sox a comeback win. I futilely hope that somehow he is benched or something. Anybody is better than Lugo.
Posted by: fitz | April 19, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Lowrie is solid. Hopefully Tito gives Lugo plenty of mental health days.
Posted by: SierraM | April 19, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Lowrie is a monster in the making. Wether he is staying with Boston or maybe being trade bait he is a stud that will be for a monster for someone....I don't care either way I have him in my AL Keeper league and if he gets delt to the NL I get him there..ROCK!!!
Posted by: rotoenquire | April 19, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I'd really like the A's to trade for Lowrie. Athletics Nation wanted Lowrie to be drafted instead of Cliff Pennington back during that draft.
The A's Infield situation is bleak, and they have no one in the minors at 2B, SS or 3B who projects to be a regular, and only a couple who look to be utility backup guys.
If the A's acquired Lowrie, they would likely make him their starting 2nd Baseman after Mark Ellis leaves after the season, or if Ellis was traded mid season.
Posted by: Zonis | April 20, 2008 at 12:59 AM
the sox should start actively trying to move lugo in june and continue to do so into the winter. his numbers are up so that would help the sox trade him, and lowrie is the guy that really should be playing if we had the luxury to just do it. to trade lowrie would be like trading away another hanley, although he is def not as talented as hanely is, and hanley did get us lowell and beckett, lowrie is already to make the mlb jump this year and def next year. he wont be traded, not unless there is a serious break down this year or next. anyone want crisp and lugo for a 1 or 2 starter maybe, please? :P
Posted by: 04Forever | April 20, 2008 at 02:32 AM
Sounds like a guy that the Indians would like. After Casey Blake (at the ripe age of 35), their depth drops off to Jamey Carroll, and Andy Marte. Carroll may be the Indians best hitter as of now (alongside David Dellucci), but something tells me that that'll change soon. It would also be nice to have another solid fielder to the mix behind the ever so inconsistent Peralta and Barfield.
Posted by: ThatOldBoomBap | April 20, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Crisp and Lugo for a #1 or 2 starter? I want some of what 04 is smoking.
Posted by: MickS | April 20, 2008 at 12:18 PM
04 personally i love the idea. however, i'd say trade Lugo and pay the majority of the contract for some minor league B- prospect(s) maybe him and crisp plus cash for taylor teagarden? switch crisp and josh hamilton around in the OF, and try and teach lugo third base? probaly way out there, but its worth a try. i think seattle would also be a good fit; lugo and the majority of his contract for cha seung baek and move him to 2b maybe try and get a low level prospect in there too.
Posted by: fgsfsfbbbrd | April 20, 2008 at 01:30 PM
No way Lugo's bat plays at third in this lifetime.
Posted by: gfulla | April 20, 2008 at 04:07 PM
eh it was worth a try; i cant really figure out a team that really needs a short-stop. maybe pittsburgh? crisp and lugo for someone. maybe dasamo marte. possibly add in somebody for steve pearce
Posted by: fgsfsfbbbrd | April 20, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Lugo would have to be paired with a payment nearing nine figures if anything of value is coming back.
Lowrie is off to a nice start, but no sense in crowning him anything just yet.
Posted by: GoBoSox420 | April 20, 2008 at 07:56 PM
I will take Lugo and his contract off the Sox hands as a Met fan that is tired of seeing Luis Castillo and his 80 year old man knees and his 6 year old girl power. Atleast Lugo can run.
Posted by: nrmax88 | April 20, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Remember the days when Luis Castillo was stealing 60 bases and batting .330? Remember that like 36 game hit streak? God damn that feels long ago now.
Posted by: scribbletone | April 20, 2008 at 11:47 PM
"I will take Lugo and his contract off the Sox hands as a Met fan that is tired of seeing Luis Castillo and his 80 year old man knees and his 6 year old girl power. Atleast Lugo can run."
Done. Sold. Whatever. I'd drive him down to Queens for you but I'd be tempted to repeatedly slam on the brakes just to see his forehead bounce off the glovebox. There is a reason his b-r page is sponsored by a Yankees blog and not just cause they are douchebags.
Posted by: ArodSucksAtLife | April 21, 2008 at 01:45 AM