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Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

by SoxDevil on Nov 19, 2007 1:28 PM EST in News Comment 37 comments

According to ESPN, the Red Sox and Mike Lowell are close to finalizing a three-year, $37.5 million contract.

The terms of the deal aren't surprising, but it was assumed that Lowell would have to leave money on the table if he was going to stay with the Red Sox. Now it looks like Boston's offer was the best he received. We're still skeptical that he'll be worth it, but it'll go down as one of the most reasonable contracts of the winter.

--Rotoworld, 11/19/07

Both parties must see that this deal makes a lot of sense. Mike Lowell is a big part of the team and the clubhouse, and Fenway is a perfect fit for his swing.

By the end of a 3-year contract Mike Lowell will be a 37-year old 3B. Even for one as defensively gifted as Lowell, I start to wonder what sort of player he'll be when the deal ends.

I'm sure that there were teams out there willing to do more years at less per annum, but I think the Red Sox are willing to make the most complete deal for Mike Lowell.

$12.5 M per year is a lot to pay for a gap-power, pull-swing 34-year old, but the Red Sox don't have many other, decent options. Fortunately, being a wealthy team pays off in circumstances like this. A good comparison might be the contract that the NYY offered to Mariano Rivera. The Wanks need Mo right now, even if he's not performing at a $15 M level.

All that aside, Mike Lowell is a player I respect and can root for wholeheartedly. I'd be happy to have him back.

Curt Schilling pitches in his thoughts in a post titled "SWEET!":

Per ESPN Mikey Lowell is back. How cool is that? Leaving years and dollars on the table to come back here for three more years, good stuff. Pretty nice to think you are fans in a town that is now a desired destination for athletes across the major sports. Come a long way for sure.

Congrats to Mike and I’ve already spoken with a few guys on the team and suffice to say we’re all ectstatic. Now to get back to the FF beatings he’s been taking all year!

0 recs | Comment 37 comments

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Comments

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I think this is as good a Lowell deal as one could hope for. By the end, hopefully Lars Andersen will be ready and we can move Youk to 3B permanently. I'm surprised - I thought for sure Lowell would wait it out and some idiot GM would overpay for him.

by 0157H7 on Nov 19, 2007 1:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I think by the time this deal is up, we'll probably have moved on from Youk. He's a great player when cost controlled, but once he hits FA he might price himself out. And I don't know about moving 0-something 1st baseman across the diamond to 3rd.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"30-something"

not "0-something"

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 1:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

3 years...and less $$ than I was thinking = perfect! Now lets go get a bench player w some pop, a bulpen arm, and go defend. DO NOT TRADE JACOBY FOR SANTANA !!!!!

by Matzushocka on Nov 19, 2007 2:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Looks like FA's are not going to be getting huge $$$'s this off-season.

by Matzushocka on Nov 19, 2007 2:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: BTW

My thoughts exactly. I mentioned this in another posting, but I don't think we'll be seeing "idiot GMs" making crazy signings this year. This FA Market is weaker then last year, and all the expensive signings last year all but bombed, so I think the GMs will be reluctant to give big money to any medicore player or risky signing (Lowell being the later, at least for the years near the end of a would be 4 year deal). On top of this, there was a GM meeting (held by none other then our Theo) where is was stressed to not overpay players simply because there is shallow talent available, and to go about getting better player via trade. This has already been seen where most the rumors you hear out there are trades, not signings.

by Realistic on Nov 19, 2007 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: BTW

What about?
Alex Rodriguez: $275 million, 10 years
Jorge Posada: $52 million, 4 years
Mariano Rivera: $45 mil, 3 years

J C Romero: $12 mil, 3 years (??!!!)

If you're a FA Yankee / reliever, you're probably overpaid. The prize center fielder FAs (Hunter, Rowand, Jones) haven't landed yet. Their agents can point to some recent extensions for CFs and demand huge contracts:
Ichiro Suzuki: $90 million, 5 years
Vernon Wells: $126 mil, 7 years

by 0157H7 on Nov 19, 2007 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: BTW

I'm glad you mentioned the Romero deal, because to me, that one is the worst of the bunch thusfar. I'm sure some team will give Kyle Lohse 5/$80 or something and make me eat my words.

by Allen Chace on Nov 19, 2007 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oh by the way

WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!

Mikey mike's back, on our terms. Fantastic!

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 2:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Maybe this contract was not all about the money for Lowell. He probably wanted a fair deal so he could come back and play for a team he likes in a town that currently wants him to run for Mayor.

Now the Sox can just sit back and see if someone wants to dump future high priced talent.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 19, 2007 2:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

What about a backup catcher? I would say the team needs, provided Lowell is resigned, a backup catcher, an outfielder with power in case Manny has limited playing time, and a relief pitcher. If either the backup catcher or outfielder can play first at times and we keep Cora, that will make a formidable team. We might find the relief pitcher among our minors but the catcher sounds like we need to trade.

We are probably losing Hinske, Keilty and Mirabelli, but could bring Moss up as a good fill in but really still need another good bat available in the outfield. The pitching changes remain to be seen, but we seem to have a lot of older guys that might not be able to perform consistently during the year.

by Longsuffering on Nov 19, 2007 2:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Compared to perviously years, we're looking in good shape. Only outstanding needs are a backup catcher, a 4th OF (unless Coco doesn't get traded, which could happen if other teams mistakenly think we NEED to trade him and offer 50 cents on the dollar for him), and some Relief pitching.

Beyond that there are other things that would be nice (another big bat, insurance players for some of our older players, like maybe someone to play relief but be available for a spot start here and there), but not urgent needs

by Realistic on Nov 19, 2007 2:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLr6pJl8ZTk&feature=related

He likes it! Hey, Mikey!

by sdkramer.otm on Nov 19, 2007 2:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Now ESPN is reporting that they've made the deal, so it's official: the best man to play 3B in the majors this year is back in the fold!

by RSNexile on Nov 19, 2007 3:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

great news. Hes the world series mvp and an important part of why our offense was so damn tough this year.

by spinz on Nov 19, 2007 3:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Doubt he can stick it for three more years, but maybe he'll be worth $18m-per for the next two years. Don't suppose it matters much for a team with our budget, but this is a rather large overpay.

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Nov 19, 2007 3:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Wow, that's a bit better then I think we all anticipated. I don't think its an overpay. We didn't have to go the 4th year and at $12.5 per it's decent value. I somewhat agree with one of the above posts where you'll probably see $20-$22 mil value out the first two years and hopefully get something decent out of the 3rd.
Considering the options: A-rod at $275/10 or trading a heap of talent for Cabrera, $37.5 mil for 3 years of Lowell is fair and if he's happy we'll get something like .275/.340/.450 over the course of the 3 years...and the good glove to boot.

by sydneysox on Nov 19, 2007 4:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Any of the "better" options would have cost the Sox so much more in terms of salary and prospects. Just think, the MFY will pay Slappy $27.5 a year when he is 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42. That's a lot of money to pay a DH.

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 19, 2007 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Great day for the Sox. Now on to filling the holes. A catcher. Will Wakefield really be around for another season? If so, we need someone to catch a knuckleballer. Lets find someone younger. Varitek looked like a new man in the playoffs. He just needs some rest during the season to be more effective.

Replacements for Hinkse and Kielty? A good bat? Doesn't need to play every day, but best if he can handle first base.

Left handed relief? This year we needed a second effective lefty.

by Longsuffering on Nov 19, 2007 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

theres a rumor going around by radio that jon henry called up lowell this weekend and convinced him to sign.

by spinz on Nov 19, 2007 5:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

lets trade coco, lugo and lowrie and a pithing prospect to the o's for tejada, and mirabelli didnt hurt us so why get away from him? any other back-up catcher who plays evry 6 days and has to catch wake will hit the same. it takes alot out of you to catch a knuckleballer, thats why varatek doesnt do it. santana, only if you dont give up ellsbury.

the difference between a yankee stadium hot dog and a fenway frank is that they dont sell yankee dogs in october anymore.

by fishfarmr on Nov 19, 2007 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

What do we need Tejada for, now that Lowell is back?

Oh and nice tag. :^)

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

DOh, I didn't see that you included Lugo.

I don't think Tejada is a viable option for SS anymore. He has zero range.

But I think his bat will rebound a little bit.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

My first thought is: that's too much for Miguel Tejada, even given the question marks in terms of value that Lugo and Crisp are. Also, if the O's dump Tejada, they'll probably try for someone better than Lowrie and/or salary relief, which your proposal doesn't really provide.

I'm probably coming off extremely anti-Tejada lately......and I'm fine with that.

by Allen Chace on Nov 19, 2007 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I'm not a huge Miggy fan either. I don't want him in Boston.

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 19, 2007 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I would've taken Miggy at 3rd if nothing else worked out and the O's didn't ask for too much. But not at SS.

Though I'm 99% certain that he'll be named in te Mitchell Report, and I wouldn't want that headache for an incoming player...

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I'm not sure. He is a sulky player and his stats are Camden Yards-inflated, and he makes $12+ million. As for the Mitchell Report, are they testing for B-12? :)

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 19, 2007 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Well, Camden Yards-inflated, he'd do well at Fenway too I imagine.

Everything else, absolutely.

by Allen Chace on Nov 19, 2007 6:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I'd be sulky too if my management considered the acquisitions of Aubrey "The Jacker" Huff and Danys Baez to be positive moves. And if my "friend" narced me out for trying to help prolong his career.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 7:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

how much worse is tejada than lugo defesivly(sp?) and lose range and gain alot of offense..... got to do it. lets be honest, the o's are not going to get much in a trade anyway ( nomar ) so for them to get a good everyday prospect and a top pitching prospect is enough. coco and lugo as throw ins. fair deal all the way around

the difference between a yankee stadium hot dog and a fenway frank is that they dont sell yankee dogs in october anymore.

by fishfarmr on Nov 19, 2007 6:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Dont you think the Sox should promote one of their younger players, maybe Moss or L. Anderson, to come fill one of the spots that Keilty and Hinske are vacating?

Our farm system really paid last year, why not give another young player some abs and see if we can catch lightning in a bottle one more time.

I agree Sox need another catcher, I am just not willing to throw Coco away for a spot easily filled through free agency. I would rather package Coco for another big time starting arm or a quality middle relief guy.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 19, 2007 7:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

I think Anderson needs more time. But I'd be happy letting Moss and Lowrie fill the Hinske/Kielty roles. Though I don't know if Moss can back up Ellsbury in CF.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Maybe Drew could play CF, he is pretty fast.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 19, 2007 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah yes.

Forgot about him.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 19, 2007 8:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Anderson definitely needs more time - he's only 19 years old, and he hasn't even reached AA ball.
http://www.soxprospects.com/players/anderson-lars.htm

by 0157H7 on Nov 19, 2007 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

Excellent!

BC14

by BC14 on Nov 19, 2007 7:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Red Sox, Lowell close to a deal

This is a great signing, Lowell can be good for the next three years and once the contract is over Lars Anderson (who I think is only 19 or 20 now, correct me if I'm wrong) will be ready to take over at 1B and we can slide Youkilies to third or maybe sign Cabrera to a massive deal if he becomes a FA.

by gnick55 on Nov 19, 2007 8:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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