MLB: Mike Lowell to the Rangers
The Red Sox and the Rangers have reached an agreement on a trade that would bring Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Max Ramirez.
The Red Sox have long been rumored to be looking to deal Lowell and it is being reported that Boston would have to agree to pay a significant chunk of the $12 million owed Lowell next season.
Lowell has struggled to stay in the lineup the past two seasons as he has battled a hip injury similar to that of Alex Rodriguez’s that required surgery. Despite missing 92 games over the past two years he has still managed to average 17 homers and 74 RBIs in that time frame. He still swings a pretty good stick but which means he is likely to primarily see time as a DH for the Rangers.
In Max Ramirez the Red Sox are getting a catcher who has struggled to stay healthy the past two years. He hit well in the lower levels of the minors but it remains to be seen if he will ever master major league pitching.
At any rate this deal is going to lead to tons of speculation as to what Boston’s next move is going to be. It has been rumored over the past several weeks that the Sox are looking at moving Kevin Youkilis back to third so they can make a serious run at Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera or San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez. Both of whom are young stars that could anchor Boston’s lineup for years to come.
It also gives them some flexibility in the event Jason Varitek rebounds this season and the team wants to find at bats for both him and Victor Martinez who is a sub-par defensive catcher and probably better suited to play first base.
It looks like the Red Sox & Padres trade for Adrian Gonzalez is heating up. Gonzalez is such as steal at his current salary. He hit 40 HR’s at Petco Park, he should be able to do a lot more damage in Fenway.
Gonzalez’ salary makes me wonder if he is going to get dealt though. The Pads are not going to be overly compelled to deal him while his salary is that low.