» Mike Lowell

Brad Penny made his debut in a Red Sox uniform—the “retro roadies” as they’ve been coined—and snapped a three game losing streak. He gave up three runs on five hits through six innings and Jonathon Papelbon, despite a shaky 9th, picked up the save for a 5-4 win.

The Angels took a 2-0 lead into the 5thbefore Mike Lowell tied the game up with his first home run of the year, a 2-run shot. Mike Napoli would hit his second home run of the game in the bottom of that inning to put the Angels back in front. Penny would depart after the 6th down 3-2.

In the 7th Jason Bay would belt a 2-run homer to put the Red Sox in front and put Penny in line for the win. He would add a solo shot in the 9th to give the Sox a 2-run lead. Torii Hunter’s leadoff home run put the Angels within a run in the 9ththen the Angels would load the bases with two outs before Howard Kendrick’s ten pitch at-bat ended with a line out to Rocco Baldelli in right to end the game.

There were three things that made me happy today. The first was the progress Lowell is making in returning from his hip injury. The second was Clay Bucholz’s three perfect innings. The third one was Tim Thomas having to play with Manny Fernandez’s mask for a few minutes of the Bruins game, but that one was more a comedic thrill than anything.

Lowell DHed in the game, going 1 for 3 with a single in his last at-bat. Bucholz threw three innings without allowing a base runner while striking out two. Papelbon threw a scoreless fourth inning. The Orioles struck for runs late in the game, topping the Red Sox 5-1.

The Red Sox’ spring struggles continue, but with so many players out with either injury or playing in the WBC, this shouldn’t be a sign of things to come.

The Red Sox have a day off on Wednesday then they play the Cardinals at 1:05 on Thursday. Josh Beckett will be on the mound for the Sox.

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.