Mike Lowell could man third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers or Milwaukee Brewers next season. Or, h will remain in Boston, if the Red Sox do not sign Mark Teixeira. So writes Ken Rosenthal.
Here is what Rosenthal penned in his latest column, "Here are four possible trading partners for the Red Sox if they sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira and need to move third baseman Mike Lowell: The Dodgers, who could lose Casey Blake in free agency; the White Sox, who currently project the unproven Josh Fields at third base; the Tigers, who could move Brandon Inge back to catcher; and the Brewers, who would need to trade third baseman Bill Hall. The Red Sox would need to be creative. Lowell, who turns 35 on Feb. 24, is expected to make a full recovery from hip surgery, but is owed $25 million over the next two seasons."
I do think that, if Teixeira signs elsewhere and the Red Sox keep Lowell, the veteran third baseman will respond with a season more like 2007 than 2008. Of course, that is dependent on his hip staying healthy.
According to an article by Anthony McCarron in the New York Daily News (via MLB Trade Rumors), a source said that Boston is more interested in Teixeira and Derek Lowe than A.J. Burnett. Talk about good news. Three or four years of the durable Lowe makes much more sense than five seasons of the fragile Burnett. Teixeira is a player who is worth offering an eight-year contract. McCarron's source said of the Red Sox interest in Burnett, "I don't think they're that involved." The Yankees say that five years is too long for Burnett, so he might have t accept four years or look elsewhere.
Rosenthal is a good read during the Hot Stove League for those who crave off-season baseball news. SI.com's Jon Heyman is another. In Heyman's most recent column, he writes that it is more likely for the Red Sox and Yankees to battle over Lowe than Burnett. If so, this is a fight the Yankees probably won't win. Lowe has made it clear that he wants to pitch for the Red Sox. I think he will accept an offer from Boston, even if the money is less than what the Yankees are willing to pay.
Lowe is the only free agent starting pitcher worth pursuing for the Red Sox, which do not need a top of the rotation arm. What Boston needs is a reliable No. 4 option who can help in the post-season. Wakefield is perfect for the No. 5 spot, but he is not dependable in October. A No. 4 guy like Lowe to accompany Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka would give the Red Sox a tremendous advantage in the post-season.
Heyman also writes that the Julio Lugo for Dontrelle Willis deal that has been reported makes sense. I read a recent report from Peter Gammons that detailed how Willis is working hard to be ready for the 2009 season. I think he would be a good fit for the long reliever/spot starter role that Julian Tavarez held. Paul Byrd would be a good fit, too, but I imagine he will sign with a team that is hungry for starting pitching, such as the Pittsburgh Pirates. Of course, if he truly wants to win a World Series ring before he retires, Boston is the place.
Tazawa throws complete game
Junichi Tazawa, the 22-year-old Japanese right-hander who is drawing interest from the Red Sox, tossed a complete-game shutout in the quarterfinals of Japan's corporate league championships. Apparently, there will be no further negotiations with Tazawa until the tournament is finished. The Atlanta Braves have reportedly offered Tazawa a major league deal. It is unclear whether Boston is willing to do the same. Tazawa is not ready for the big leagues and would likely start at Single-A or Double-A.
Should Dice-K pitch in the World Baseball Classic?
While on the subject of Japanese pitchers, Daisuke Matsuzaka recently told the media that he will pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic if he is extended an invitation. The concept of the WBC is exciting, but the fact that these players - especially pitchers - are competing at an intense level so early in the season is a concern. The wear and tear could lead to injuries or an ineffective season for that player in the major leagues. Considering what Boston spent to talk to Dice-K, and the additional money they paid to sign him, I think he should forego the WBC and concentrate on getting ready for the 2009 major league season.
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