Lowell To DL

Mike Lowell has been placed on the DL and the Sox recalled David Pauley to take his roster spot. Pauley's stay could be a short one as he likely only was called up because of the work put in last night by the bullpen. If his stay is indeed short Boston would likely callup a corner infielder tomorrow or Friday. The choices will be limited if thats what they want to do. Chris Carter is probably the best hitter among the possibilities, but he hasn't played 1B this season as he split his time between DH and LF.

Lowel, Sox Agree

Mike Lowell has agreed to re-sign with the Boston Red Sox for three years at $37.5 million. The Red Sox had set a deadline for today for Lowell to say yes or no to the offer. Boston was unwilling to add a fourth year even though sources indicated Lowell had a four year offer from atleast one team. This deal became more important for Boston when Alex Rodriguez decided to return to New York.

Sentiment On Lowell Turning?

Even before the World Series was over, a clear majority of Red Sox Nation was letting it be known that Theo Epstein should re-sign Mike Lowell at any cost. Fans were saying if Lowell wanted a fourth year then give him it, losing Lowell would be worse then losing Johnny Damon or Pedro Martinez. This is pretty much what one read no matter where they were reading be it Yanks Fan vs Sox Fan, Surviving Grady or even the Boston Globe and Boston Herald websites. The sentiment has appeared to change, at least a little. Yesterday the Herald reported that Mike Lowell has received a offer from the Red Sox that would guarantee three years. The story certainly comes off as the Red Sox positioning themselves to the fans as the good guy doing everything they could to sign Lowell without harming the club in the future. Fans have spoke out in response to the article and a sampling of the comments make it seem it's working at least to some degree. From the comments section of the Herald story Tara said, "Don't be stupid Mike. Is it about Boston and baseball or about money. Budget your money well and retire rich and happy after 3 years. Red Sox Nation has shown the love, time to show it back." Kevin added, "If the money is right, mike should sign this deal. Any team would be stupid to give him over 3 years. A "conservative" (and possibly smarter) offer by the sox would have been for 2 years." Ron said, "Losing Mike Lowell is bad, but not the end of the world. A few years ago evryone wanted to sign Bill Mueller to a contract to play 3rd base and look what happened to him...The moral of the story, don't fall in love with the player(s)." Meantime over at Yanks Fan vs Sox Fan Dionysus said "I think I'd give him four years. Im ok with that. Im pretty sure I am. Or I'm desperate." The general consensus there seemed to be that the Red Sox offer was a take it or leave it message from the Red Sox Front Office. The Boston.com message boards were busy with Lowell chatter with PrahaSMC saying "There's my off-season agenda. No Lowell, no ARod. Yes to fiscal sanity." Robin_Graves said "Lowell's gone. He had a good year because Manny had a bad year. He got Manny's RBIs. That's the end of the story. I'm sure Lowell and his agent think a big raise is due. It's not. 2007 was an anomoly. Slim chance he gets 100 RBIs again with the Red Sox. No chance he hits .300."

Lowell To Stay?

While Boston.com reports that the Red Sox will meet with Scott Boras tonight when Alex Rodriguez is sure to be discussed, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly offered Mike Lowell a three-year deal with an option for a fourth year. The Red Sox are still waiting to hear back from Lowell and his agent.

Position Breakdown: First Base

Recap Kevin Youkilis had a great year in 2007 with the bat and glove. Youk should win the gold glove and could be a fixture at first unless Boston doesn't re-sign Mike Lowell and can't land another third baseman which would require Youk moving across the diamond. Looking Ahead I would imagine Youkilis remains at first next year and Boston lands a big bat for third. If they don't Boston could move David Ortiz to first and Manny Ramirez to DH, that of course would be an extreme move but not out of the question. The final answer will depend on what happens at third so stay tuned. Beyond 2008 There is no shortage of power bats who will begin being ready by mid-2008 in the minors. Kevin Youkilis could find his days on the Red Sox infield numbered which would be a sad day for Sox fans. However Youk could possibly move to left field full time when Manny Ramirez' contract expires, if Manny can play it, Youk can. As for the depth in the minors. Chris Carter has an ETA of 2008 and could be a bench player for the Sox. Aaron Bates should be ready by 2009 and Lars Anderson in 2010. Brandon Moss, an outfielder who has played some first this past year could spend all his time at first in 2008 and be ready for 2009. Moss has an ETA for mid-2008 without taking into account moving to first full time.

Don't Worry, Jon Lester Will Be All Right

Jon Lester returned to Boston in grand fashion tonight with a performance that should draw millions of Sox fans off the ledges of bridges from Maine to San Diego. Lester pitched seven strong innings allowing just two hits and a single run that was scored on a sacrafice fly. For most of the night it looked as though Boston would squander another solid performance by a starter trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth. Manny Ramirez led off the ninth with a strike out, Mike Lowell followed him with a solo home run to tie the game and atleast guarantee extra innings. That however was not needed because after Kevin Youkilis struck out Jason Varitek doubled and was singled home by Coco Crisp for the game winner. Eric Gagne worked a solid ninth inning for the win, he struck out the side around a two-out double by Brendan Harris. With New Yorks loss Boston extended their American League East lead to five games. And here is the rest of it.

Meet Your 2007 All Stars

Josh Beckett SP After a dismal debut season with the Boston Red Sox in 2006, Josh Beckett came out on an impressive run this season. Beckett leads the team in wins while posting a 3.38 ERA. His 83 strike outs is second to rookie Daisuke Matsuzaka. Beckett sits at 11-2 and will pitch once more before the All Star game which he could start. The most impressive stat for Beckett this year, which has led to his remarkable season is that he has allowed just 6 homeruns. Mike Lowell 3B Rewarded with a strong first half, Mike Lowell was named as a reserve to the All Star team. His 55 RBI leads the team. He's second on the team with 12 homeruns while batting .297 Lowell who came over in the trade with Beckett was long considered a throw-in, a take him or no deal kind of thing. Boy what a throw-in he has been for Boston. This is Lowell's fourth All Star selection having been a member of the National League team from 2002-04. David Ortiz 1B With the game being played in a National League park this season there was no DH on the ballot, thus David Ortiz appeared as a first baseman, and he walked away in the voting. Ortiz has had a down year in the power category, but is still having a great season. He leads the Red Sox in homeruns with 13 and doubles with 27. He's also batting .314 and has 49 RBI. This is his fourth consecutive selection to the American League All Star team. Jonathan Papelbon Closer Picking up where he left of last season, Jonathan Papelbon is again one of the best closers in baseball. He of course leads the team in saves with 19 in 20 chances. He leads Sox relievers in strikeouts with 42 in 30 innings and one would expect he be leading the relievers in ERA as well, but he's not. A 1.50 ERA is fabulous but good for just second among Sox relievers. Manny Ramirez OF Manny being Manny, boy do Red Sox fans love it. Ramirez has had a slow start but he is finally hitting the ball better, and Sox fans hope the power isn't far off. Combined with Ortiz, Ramirez is part of what is one of the most feared hitting duo's in baseball. When there on, the middle of the Sox order is one tough place for a pitcher to navigate through untouched. American League pitchers know they have had it easy thus far with Ramirez hitting just 11 homeruns, and American League East opponents fear whats going to happen to them when Ortiz and Ramirez are hitting like they usually do considering Boston has built a 10 game lead without their power. The wake up could occur as soon as this week when Boston open its first series of the season against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.