Drew in leadoff spot, Lowell rests sore hip

Depth and versatility are two key reasons why the Boston Red Sox are one of the top clubs in Major League Baseball. Both factors have been especially crucial this season, especially with the barrage of injuries this team has endured. The lineup for tonight's three-game series opener in Kansas City is a prime example.

With Mike Lowell getting a day off to rest his strained right hip, Terry Francona has J.D. Drew hitting in the leadoff spot. Personally, I believe that Drew would benefit from leading off or hitting No. 2 for the long term because he will see more fast balls. Since Lowell is on the bench, Kevin Youkilis is playing third and Sean Casey is at first. The Sox lose nothing on defense because Casey is a solid first baseman, and though he lacks the power that Lowell possesses, Casey sprays line drives all over the field and is batting .360.

Should Lowell need the 15-day disabled list, Boston can recall Chris Carter, the left-handed first baseman, outfielder and DH who hits for power and average. The 25-year-old Carter, who was stuck behind Conor Jackson in Arizona and now David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis in Boston, is having a typical season by his standards. Carter is hitting .300 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI in 430 at-bats for the Paw Sox. He is Major League ready, and will fill the backup first baseman's role next year if Casey decides to find a team that will give him the starting first baseman's job. Carter can rake, and I'm excited about seeing him get some at-bats with the Red Sox when September arrives.

Of course, ideally Lowell will take a few days off, rest his hip and return for the upcoming four-game series at Chicago. The Sox have an off day on Thursday, so perhaps the Sox will have Lowell sit out the Kansas City series and play Friday on four full days of rest.

As for tonight, here is Boston's lineup against right-hander Gil Meche and Kansas City:

1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Sean Casey, 1B
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Coco Crisp, CF

Starting Pitcher - Clay Buchholz