Red Sox lineup is better without injured version of Mike Lowell

I like Mike Lowell. I think he represents everything that the Red Sox are all about - workmanlike players who accept and thrive in their roles and play the game of baseball the way it is meant to be played. However, I would rather not see him for the remainder of the post-season. Not if he looks the way he did last night.

Troubled by the torn labrum in his right hip, Lowell was hitless in four at-bats and showed limited range at third base when moving side-to-side. The 2007 World Series MVP has stepped to the plate just a handful of times over the last month. Clearly, he is not the real Mike Lowell who hits the ball hard and makes exceptional plays in the field when he is healthy. Who would be with a torn labrum in the hip?

Tonight, Terry Francona's lineup does not include Lowell. A report on Boston.com indicates that the veteran third baseman might indeed be done for the season. Fortunately, the Red Sox have a solid Plan B since Kevin Youkilis can play third and either Sean Casey or Mark Kotsay can play first, or Jed Lowrie can play third, Alex Cora short and Youkilis first. I prefer Youkilis at third and Casey or Kotsay at first because of the offensive production.

How do you think the Red Sox lineup should be composed without Lowell? Here is tonight's starting lineup for the Red Sox:

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

Starting Pitcher - Jon Lester