2009 Red Sox Preview: Third Base

When the Red Sox acquired Josh Beckett in 2006 Mike Lowell was seen as just a throw-in. Instead, Lowell brought Gold Glove defense and a very effecient number 5-6 hitter.

Let’s break down that trade a little. While it benefits the Marlins more in the long run,

Mike Lowell hopes to return to his All-Star form of 2007.

the Red Sox got just what they needed to win the World Series in 2007. Beckett had a tough season in 2006, but rebounded in ‘07 with a Cy-Young deserving performance, and he has been consistent ever since. Lowell brought all of what I mentioned earlier, though his hip may be a concern this year. They also got Alex Gonzalez for a year, but this probably did more bad than good since Julio Lugo had to play in the shadow of Gonzo’s spectacular defense.

The Sox gave up a handful of prospects, one of which threw a no-hitter (Anibal Sanchez) and the other is currently the most complete youngster in the game (Hanley Ramirez) today, but with their minor league system, it really doesn’t have much of an impact.

Lowell’s hip in injury may be an issue early, in which case Youkilis will most likely start at third and Brad Wilkerson will play first while Lowell and Mark Kotsay recover. Whenever Lowell is 100% he will have an imediate impact and he will be a great leader for the team.

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