Previewing Third Base

Mike Lowell returns for his second and likely last season in Boston. Lowell performed well above expectations last season after his very poor 2005 season.

Lowell is projected by Bill James for another solid season in Fenway putting up .273/.341/.452 numbers with 18 HR, 77 RBI and 36 doubles.

Corner infield backup Eric Hinske who will also see time around the outfield is projected for a .257 average with 10 HR, 38 RBI and 43 runs according to Bill James.

PECOTA has very similar numbers for Lowell, .273/.333/.441 with 15 HR, 74 RBI and 33 doubles.

My predictions for these two players are a bit above Bill James and PECOTA.

Lowell: .285 with 24 HR, 42 doubles and 88 RBI.
Hinske: .280 with 13 HR, 21 doubles and 55 RBI.