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When you read comments like this one from WEEI.com, you can't help but be concerned about how Mike Lowell will affect the Red Sox clubhouse in 2010:
“I don’t know what they think are quality at-bats. Maybe yes, maybe no. I honestly have no idea. I don’t know what they feel is adequate or not. It’s the organization’s call, not mine,” Lowell said. “To go to Boston to not play? Same thing, right? If I go it’s not like I’m going to play right away and if I don’t go it’s not like I’m not going to play right away. I’m not playing either way, so it’s all up to them.”
Lowell is clearly annoyed with this situation and would prefer to playing full time, but if he can maintain his professionalism (at least through the first few months of the season) he could be a valuable asset to the team. Here's a look at some of the key factors surrounding the Mike Lowell Saga:
The Roster
The Rangers and Marlins are the only teams to express interest in Lowell this spring, and both teams are likely to ask the Red Sox to pay most or all of his $12.5 million salary, so a deal is unlikely. That means Lowell will be on the Opening Day roster as the back up 3B/1B/DH. With Daisuke Matsuzaka likely to start the season on the DL, the Sox have room for Lowell, while carrying five starters and seven relievers, giving Francona his preferred 12-man staff, but when Dice-K returns, the Sox will be forced to go eleven RPs.
This isn't a major issue, but it's something Tito will be thinking about as long as Lowell is on the the roster.
Pressure
As a fan, I like the idea of having an insurance policy in Lowell, should Ortiz or Beltre struggle early on or Beltre or Youkilis get injured. Bill Hall can handle third base well enough, but I'm still skeptical of his bat, so I'd rather see Lowell at 1B or DH if needed. That said, Lowell's presence on the roster could put more pressure on two guys that already have enough weight on their shoulders. David Ortiz is looking to bounce back from rough 2009 campaign and has already warned us that he is a "slow starter" and that he's "never seen Spring Training stats on a baseball card." The last thing Big Papi needs is the fans and media screaming for Lowell if he struggles in April.
Adrian Beltre reportedly passed up a multi-year to prove his worth in 2010. As if that wasn't enough pressure, he'll be trying to prove his worth in Boston - where you're lucky to get a one-week grace period before the fans and media start calling for your head... Having the former 3B chomping at the bit behind him won;t make things any easier.
Lastly, there's the pressure Lowell's presence will put on Terry Fancona. Tito is well known as a players manager. It won't be easy for him to see Lowell riding the pine, but it won't be easy benching Ortiz either. Francona could lose his mind trying to pick and chose the best match-ups, while attempting not to bruise any egos, and having all of these options might force him into a few bad decisions that could cost the Red Sox a shot at the playoffs in what is expected to be a very, very tight race in the AL East.
Silver Lining
David Ortiz posted a .212 BA and a .760 OPS against lefties lats year. His K-rate was 48 % and he only hit six of his 28 homers against southpaws, while fanning 24% of the time, batting .250 and hitting 22 ding dongs against righties. And if you are wondering, his splits were equally bad in 2008: .221/.741/5 vs LHP, .279/.921/18 va RHP.
Mike Lowell hit .301 and posted a .867 OPS against lefties last season. In 2008, he was even better, hitting .318 and logging a .961 OPS against southpaws.
Sharing time at DH might do more harm than good, but if Tito can convince Ortiz and Lowell to agree to a lefty-right rotation, the Sox would feature a very scary "DH Duo" in 2010. Niether player will tally 40 homers and 120 RBI on their own, but they could do it together.
Bottom Line: I'm not sure Mike Lowell is the "pro" everyone says he is, but if he can suck it up and make the best of the situation, it will benefit the Red Sox. A good showing through the first half will be good for the Sox and for Lowell and if David Ortiz is playing well, the Sox may be more inclined to pay the remaining $4 million on Lowell deal and trade him at the All-Star break.
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