One of the most interesting players to follow closely this off-season will be Mike Lowell. The veteran, glove-savvy third baseman has delivered for the Sox in many ways this season- exceeding expectations with a high slugging percentage and impressive doubles numbers, along with Gold Glove-caliber play at the hot corner. The Marlins tossed Lowell in the Beckett trade to get his salary off their hands, and ironically, Lowell turned out to be the gem of the deal, at least in 2006. With the lacking pursuit of Bill Mueller, the movement of Kevin Youkilis around the infield and the trade of Andy Marte, third base was a flashing concern. Mike Lowell, for most of the year, solved that problem and more. We weren??t expecting a David Wright-type year, but he??s met expectations. So why all of the trade talk? The real question: Is finding a new home for Mike Lowell this winter a real concern?
It??s hard to even mention Theo??s name without Josh Bard and Cla Meredith flashing before my eyes, but we all know his main goals: finding players who are hidden in the rough, a la David Ortiz, and finding players who are about to hit their peak, a la Josh Beck?
