Rangers trade for Mike Lowell
Posted on December 10, 2009
Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox makes a play at third base against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during Game 1 of the American League Division Series at Angel Stadium on October 8, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
Damn! The Texas Rangers are not messing around as they have pulled off a late night deal to acquire third baseman Mike Lowell from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for catcher Max Ramirez. Earlier today the Rangers dealt away pitcher Kevin Millwood and signed free agent hurler Rich Harden.
Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on April 2, 2008. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
This deal is contingent on the players passing physicals and approval by Red Sox owners of absorbing a considerable chunk of Lowell’s $12 million salary. This may not be the formality it is in many trades. Lowell, who turns 36 in February, has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Lowell underwent surgery after the 2008 season for a torn labrum in his right hip and also missed nearly a month at the start of the 2008 season with what was called a sprained left thumb.
Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox plays with his sunglasses before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on May 25, 2008. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)
If this deal goes through the Rangers could use Lowell as a DH and a first baseman. They already have Michael Young at third base so they do not need any help over there. When healthy Lowell has been a productive part of the Red Sox lineup as he hit .290 in 2009 with 17 homers and 75 RBI. Lowell had his best year with the Red Sox in 2007 when he hit .324 with 21 homers and 120 RBI. Lowell eventually led the Red Sox to a World Series title that year when he earned the Series MVP award during their four game sweep of the Colorado Rockies (see below).
Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox runs from first to third base on a single hit by J.D. Drew during the fourth inning of Game Two of the 2007 World Series against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park on October 25, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)
I first had the chance to photograph Lowell early in his career when he was with the Florida Marlins (see below). He had some real nice years in Miami before he was traded along with Josh Beckett to the Red Sox in 2005 in the big trade that sent Hanley Ramirez to the Marlins.
Mike Lowell of the Florida Marlins bats during a game against the San Francisco Giants at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco, California on May 18, 2002. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
I am looking forward to shooting Lowell and the other new Rangers in spring training this coming March in Arizona.New players on new teams is what the Cactus League is all about for me, so I love all of this activity!
After this deal it is apparent that the Red Sox will be very active in the coming days. They will need a new third baseman, or will they move Kevin Youkilis over there? If they keep Youkilis at first base then they might be going after free agent Adrian Beltre to play third base. Buckle your seat belts Red Sox fans- this is going to be an exciting winter!
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