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Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell

N32606527_32219358_6072_tiny by Randy Booth on in News Comment 58 comments

Nick Cafardo from The Globe says the Sox have offered Mike Lowell a three-year deal, but no other details are known.

Most of the GMs looking for a third baseman were waiting to see whether Mike Lowell would accept Boston's three-year offer, which has been out there for a couple of days and may be firm. If he takes it, it sets the ball rolling for where Florida's Miguel Cabrera, Alex Rodriguez, and the White Sox' Joe Crede end up.

There's no doubt that Lowell wants to remain in Boston, but the third base market could bear paying him four years at $13 million-$14 million. One National League GM said, "He'd get four years on the open market. No question. He's a great defensive third baseman. Our scouting reports indicate he can still hit and still catch up to a fastball. As long as he can catch up to a fastball, he's going to get the money. Right now there's no sign of decline. Everybody realizes the type of player he is and what he means in the clubhouse. Nobody wants to go four years with a 33-34-year old player. But if you have a need I think most teams would do it."

I really like Lowell, but three years? I'm thinking that's too much. I'm actually really surprised the Sox offered him that long of a deal. I figured they'd offer two at the most. I guess they don't want to piss off Red Sox Nation.

I would absolutely love to see Miguel Cabrera (Chubrera?) as the Red Sox third baseman of the future. He's got great upside (power bat) and some downside (he's bad defensively), but overall I think he'd be a good fit. I'd be worried how much the Sox would need to give up, though. And if he'd be able to adjust to the AL.

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Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
going into this i think it was a given that its going to take at least 3 years to get lowell. Offering him 2 years wouldv been insulting when hes got good potential to pull in a 4 year contract from other teams.  

by spinz on Nov 8, 2007 9:28 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I see what you're saying, but I don't think the Sox actually won't to be tied up with Lowell for 3 or 4 years. They want to go the Pedro, Nomar, Damon route -- ditch them right before they fall.
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 9:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Pedro and Nomar were both walking injury problems.  As for Damon, the Yankees simply overpaid him.  

There is a number at which it's worth keeping Lowell.  And I agree that it would take a three-year contract to get him.  

by RickD on Nov 9, 2007 7:21 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I'd go three and a team option, 10 or 12 per. Or maybe a performance based vesting option.

I'm hesitant to go after Fat Miggy, basically because I like Ellsbury and Buchholz too much. But I think it'd take him about two pitches to adjust to the AL.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 8, 2007 9:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Yeah, I guess it would take either Buchh or 'Bury. I could see them trading Buchh, Masterson and a middle-tier prospect for Miggy. I'm sure the Marlins want Buchh, 'Bury, Masterson and Lowrie, though. No dice.
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 9:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Fat Miggy = Piggy.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Nov 9, 2007 3:51 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Anything beyond 3 years is too much. Id love to see the MFY offer him 4 or 5 years,because after year two whoever signs him beyond that, will probably regret doing so. Lowell is great, I love him but he is not worth a 4 year contract. If he chooses to go elsewhere,we should be prepared that it will more than likely be to the MFY for alot of dollars and a few more years. Let them choke on that contract. Ive got news for ya, Mike Lowell can't and won't save the MFY's 2008 season. They have huge problems going into next year. If we can sign him, great...if not lets move on and get Miggy or someone else. We will be fine.

by Matzushocka on Nov 8, 2007 9:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I'd hate to see him go to the Yanks. That would be probably MORE of a slap in the face than Damon was.

Three years is risky on Lowell. Four is a health hazard. Five is suicide.

Like I said, I love the guy, but he doesn't have many years left.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 9:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I disagree on the slap. Lowell is a classy player. If he went to the Yankees, I have no doubt that he'd part ways easily with the Sox. It'd be about the money or the years - there wouldn't be any of the "respect" tripe, or the "I would never play for the Yankees" BS. He wouldn't have made any promises that he broke. He worked hard and excelled for us; he was the consummate professional. It'd be frustrating when he comes to Fenway and blasts doubles down the corners, but I don't think he'd be a source of frustration or anger off the field.

by 0157H7 on Nov 9, 2007 1:39 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Lowell does not project to hit well in Yankee Stadium. He's a straight pull hitter and left field is deeep in Yankee Stadium.

Lowell is tailor-made for Fenway. Let's hope he & his agent realize it.

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Nov 9, 2007 10:06 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
He's actually done pretty well at Yankee stadium. Over the past two years, he put up the following line there:
73 AB, .315 / .359 / .493; 2 HR, 7 2B
(Source: ESPN player profile)

That said, his swing is tailor-made for Fenway, and that should play a factor in his negotiations.

by 0157H7 on Nov 9, 2007 12:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
***No way I trade Jacoby for anyone.

by Matzushocka on Nov 8, 2007 9:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
He is the only exception :)  

by Matzushocka on Nov 8, 2007 9:56 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Not for me. Pujol is a great player, but Ellsbury = $$$$$$$.

Ellsbury is the MLB poster boy for the future, no way I trade him to anyone for ANYTHING. The revenue Ellsbury could bring to the Sox will pay for players in the next 10 years.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 8, 2007 10:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I'd trade Ellsbury for Pujols and stick with Coco in a heartbeat.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Tacoby fan, but it's Pujols!

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Nov 9, 2007 10:07 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
So you think the Yankees should of traded Jeter in the 90s for Barry Bonds or Belle or Frank Thomas or some equivalent to the best power hitter in the 90s?

Not me, Ellsbury is just a cash cow, you can buy power you cannot buy the "Tom Brady" factor.  Ellsbury has a chance to match Bron Bron for endorsement revenue.

But I hear ya, Albert is pretty freaking awesome...lol.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 9, 2007 10:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I think you're overestimating Ellsbury, but I'm glad you're enthusiastic about him.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Nov 10, 2007 12:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I would also love to see Miguel Cabrera in a Red Sox uniform but the asking price is Ellsbury + Lester or Buchholz, which is way too much if you ask me.

I don't see the Sox parting with Ellsbury, Lester, or Buchholz in order to get Cabrera. Maybe if the Marlins would accept Crisp, Bowden, and Masterson...

by gnick55 on Nov 8, 2007 9:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
The price is steep, but we got to weigh what we get in return. I remember the last time we traded with the Marlins. Worked out great for us and pretty damn well for them...
OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 9:47 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Here's what we get, though: a guy who is likely to eat his way out of professional baseball in the next three years the way he's going.

Right now, he's bad defensively. If he doesn't change his habits soon, he's going to be bad offensively too.

by RSNexile on Nov 8, 2007 10:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
He could change under the tutelage of Papi and Manny.
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 10:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I wouldn't bet Tacoby and Lester on it.

by RSNexile on Nov 8, 2007 10:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
True.

But let me clarify: I'm not saying the Sox should trade Jacoby and Buchh for Cabrera. I'm just saying, I really like Cabrera and I wouldn't mind seeing him as a Sox.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 10:43 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I got to agree with RSNexile on Cabrera, who is well-known as a lazy player.  I think someone likened him to Manny without a work ethic (and Cap'n Jack, despite popular misconception, works very hard at his game).  

At this point, I don't want to see the Sox trade Buchholz, a potential top of the rotation starter, for anyone not named Johan Santana.  And if the Sox want Cabrera, it'll likely cost them Buchholz and a few others.  

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

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 8, 2007 11:32 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
A year ago I might have said okay to a deal that included Clay or Ellsbury when then were "potential" studs, at this point I think they both have proven that they are sure-fire studs-to-be, so no, I would not trade either of them. A deal that would include Lester and other prospects (minus Clay or Ellsbury) I would do

by Realistic on Nov 9, 2007 10:06 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I will say this, if we lost out on Lowell and then turned around and traded Jacoby, I for whatever reason wouldnt feel so good about next year.

by Matzushocka on Nov 8, 2007 9:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
Tacoby isn't going anywhere. Lowell, his chances are leaving are definitely higher. I wouldn't be worried about Ellsbury not being there, though...
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 10:40 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
i dont see them trading jacoby(maybe if it was for santana...ugh). I think if we dont resign lowell it instead ups our odds of pursueing arod by about 30ish%.

by spinz on Nov 8, 2007 10:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
It's kind of funny. I'm not 100% sure the Sox will re-sign Lowell, but at the same time I haven't thought about who the Sox should get if that falls through.

Do you think if Lowell falls through, RSN eases into the possibility of signing A-Rod?

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 10:47 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
well i think so, all itl take is a press conference or two where a-rod talks some trash about the yankees and he'l be at home with the more hostile fans. I think the 2004 alcs left all sox fans with a real distaste for arod, but theres few better ways to appeal to sox fans than to screw the yankees over.
And then the real question becomes whether the 350 milion minimum was just a bogus comment from the yankees. Boras/arod never actualy confirmed that, and the speculation seems to be now that the arod price is a good deal lower... Will be an entertaining offseason to say the least.

by spinz on Nov 8, 2007 10:56 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

aaand...
regardless of whether the 350 million comment was just newyork trying to scare teams away from arod, if arod were to sign with the sox for 250ish million or lower, than he would be seen as charging an 100 mil just for the yankees...sox fans would go crazy.

by spinz on Nov 8, 2007 11:03 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: aaand...
Very true. But I'm sure Boras would still love that $350 million.
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 11:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I don't like A-Rod as a person, but as a player he's really good.

I'm leaning towards the Sox signing him if they can't get Lowell for 3 or less years...

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 11:03 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

3b Options
Here's who's available to play third (hat tip Keith Law) -

FAs: Arod, Lowell, Pedro Feliz, Aaron Boone, Russell Branyan and a bunch of other guys who won't be playing 3b for the Sox next year.

Trade: Cabrera, Tejada, Rolen, Crede.

I said it before, and no one seemed too thrilled about it, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the FO kick the tires on Tejada. Here's what Klaw has to say about the the Original Miggy

Tejada's starting to show his age, posting the worst offensive season of his career around the first injury of his career, a broken wrist. Tejada's age has also affected his defense at shortstop, and he's likely to end up at third base within the next two years. He's always been a high-contact hitter who swings early in the count, and he still seems to have the raw power he showed in 2005-06, even though his results in '07 were down.

He's also a change-of-scenery candidate, as he's asked out of Baltimore before and the Orioles' clubhouse hasn't been good the past few years. Best of all for interested clubs, the two years and $26 million remaining on Tejada's contract mark a much smaller commitment than any of the names listed above.

If he could play third, he'd be a monster in Fenway, in this lineup. In my humble opinion.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 8, 2007 11:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
Rolen still has 3 years and 36 million left on his contract, and he's been hurt two of the last three years. I don't trust him, unless Philly eats a lot of salary and doesn't ask for much.
Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 8, 2007 11:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
Though he'd be a masher at Fenway...
Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 8, 2007 11:22 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
$12/yr isn't too bad. But like you said, he's been injured and would be a risk.
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 11:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
Crede is an interesting option, too. Hmm...
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 11:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
He had a back injury.  I always worry about IF coming off back problems.  I'd pass on Crede.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 8, 2007 11:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
I heard Texas won't trade Hank Blalock, but we've got what they want and they've got what we want. I think we could maybe make a deal with them. Not saying Blalock is my number one choice but it is another possibility.
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 11:16 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
I'd prefer a right-handed hitter.  
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 8, 2007 11:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: 3b Options
Very true. I'd like to see his numbers last year on a 162-game scale. They would have looked pretty good...
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by Randy Booth on Nov 8, 2007 11:43 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Imagine This Lineup
If the Sox signed A-Rod for next year they're lineup would be as follows:

Ellsbury
Pedroia
Ortiz
A-Rod
Manny
Youk
Drew
Tek
Lugo

With a pitching staff as good as it was last year I'd say there is no team that could stop that.

by gnick55 on Nov 8, 2007 11:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: Imagine This Lineup
When it comes to A-Rod I think you have to look at a very real possibility of the Sox needing a good right hand power bat in the lineup beyond next year if Manny goes elsewhere (or diminishes sharply).  Miggy would answer that, provided he doesn't eat himself out of the game, but his asking price is almost surely steeper than A-Rod's considering who the Sox would have to give up for him and his own contract extension due up in a couple years.  

If the Sox re-sign Lowell and he declines and then either Manny leaves or declines, where is the right handed power gonna come from?  This is why A-Rod is the right choice.  The Sox would be admittedly ridiculous next year, but it's not just about next year.  A-Rod is the best player in the game and he can be had without giving up anybody.  That has to be explored, especially against the backdrop of potential lack of RHH power 2 years from now.

by WildYams on Nov 9, 2007 5:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Imagine This Lineup
Not to mention needing a good psychiatrist.

I couldn't care less about what Ego-rod MIGHT bring - all I know is what he HAS brought to other teams:

POISON.

I say "Pass".

BC14

by BC14 on Nov 9, 2007 10:22 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

So Lowell or a first baseman?
According to major league sources, the Red Sox are willing to go three years on the 33-year-old Lowell. They would sign Lowell, if he agrees to come back on their terms. If Lowell won't, the Sox could move Gold Glove first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third and acquire a first baseman.

I might have missed discussion of this already. But pretty interesting, hey? A-Rod seems increasingly unlikely to join the Sox. Hurray!

I've said already I'd be happy to see Youk go to third if we can pick up someone interesting for first.

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

by britsoxfan on Nov 9, 2007 6:48 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Re: So Lowell or a first baseman?
I've never thought ARod would come to the Sox.  For starters, he's hated in Boston.  But the real issue is that the Sox don't need his bat as much as other teams that also have money to spend.  

by RickD on Nov 9, 2007 7:25 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Sox offer three-year contract to Lowell
I would rather trade for any of these prospects than to sign A-Rod for the tremendous money he requires:

Evan Longoria - TB
Brandon Wood - LAAoA
Andy LaRoche - LAD
Ian Stewart - COL
Chris Davis - TEX
Angel Villalona - SF
Neil Walker - PIT

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Nov 9, 2007 10:10 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I'm going to go on complete emotion
but Lowell's worth the 3 year deal.

by sdkramer.otm on Nov 9, 2007 5:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Repeat this 3 times....
(he's bad defensively), but overall I think he'd be a good fit.

(he's bad defensively), but overall I think he'd be a good fit.

(he's bad defensively), but overall I think he'd be a good fit.

..................

OK, now bear with me:

We're calling him "bad defensively" and yet, he's the "3rd baseman of the future" ?

Well I won't apologize for reminding you that defense often wins ball games.

Sign Lowell for 3 years +, is what I say.  And in 2 years Theo can plan for the future.

Just my $0.02.

BC14

by BC14 on Nov 9, 2007 10:19 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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