Red Sox in the market for a 3B:

[MaineDolFan]

This isn't hitting anywhere yet, but should quickly.  There are some concerns starting to surface about Mike Lowell and his ability to play. 

So far this spring Lowell is 3 for 29 and hasn't showed much snap with the glove.  I personally watched about an hour's worth of game tape on him this morning and he seems to have lost a lot of quickness.  He is not where the Sox want him to be at right now, especially at the money that he's signed to.

To his defense, Lowell is a notorius slow starter in the spring and always has been.  Where my immediate worry point is this:  his first step off the bag in a defensive mode.  He seems a half step off.

Boston has started talks with clubs that I can not ID right now, and the focus of those talks is pitching.  Boston has a semi log jam right now in the starting rotation. 

Interesting rumors that I can disclose: the Nationals young third basemen Ryan Zimmerman for Bronson Arroyo.  Zimmerman doesn't have a lot of power, but he's very young and promising. 

The Alfonso Soriano talk won't die as well, and Soriano has experience playing at third base.  Soriano is not endearing himself to his new team so far this spring.

Another interesting development is that the Padres might be sending Doug Mirabelli back to Boston for a player to be named later.  This would be very embarrasing for San Diego as they virtually would have let Mark Loretta get away for literally nothing.  Mirabelli is behind Piazza on the catching depth chart and not happy about it.  He was accepting of the trade to San Diego for more playing time, but wanted to stay in Boston if he was going to remain a back up.

[Pats2006]

They should have never got rid of Bill Miller!!

[MaineDolFan]

You mean Mueller.  I'm not opposed to sending Billy off to L.A. but they needed a plan B for Lowell.  Right now they really don't have one.

[Pats2006]

Just have to wait and see.

Bill had good glove at 3rd. Last year was one of his best years at 3rd!!

[MaineDolFan]

Actually - Mueller made 10 errors last year in only 140 starts, he missed 22 starts due to injury.  Not a horrible year, but if you want to compare defense - Lowell played in 135 games and only logged 6 errors.  Mueller only turned 20 double plays last year, compared to 34 for Lowell.

I like Mueller, but let's not make him out to be something that he isn't.  He is a very solid baseball player, but superstar he ain't.

[Sunstroke]

If Boston could snake Zimmerman, they should do it...He's hit for average everywhere he's been, and I think he is an excellent defensive player at the corner. If I had to compare him to a former major leaguer as far as potential, I'd say he reminds me of a young Carney Lansford.

Mirabelli? Pah! You can have him! We'll take the player to be named later... I wish we had gotten better trade value out of Boston for Loretta, but when I watch Barfield mashing it on every swing, I somehow don't pine for him quite so much.

[MaineDolFan]

I'm willing to bet that by the all-star break you'll see Loretta either traded or reduced to a utility role for Boston.

[EDGECRUSHER]

Can't Youkilis play third? Kid's gotta play somewhere.

If Lowell continues to play bad and 3rd base is a problem all year for the Sox, then Coco Crisp better have a monster year because of the Andy Marte trade.

[MaineDolFan]

Youk is the starting first baseman.  Boston has a 3B in the system now that is ranked as one of baseball's top 25 prospects, but he has a ways to go before he's ready.

[DolFan619]

Youk is the starting first baseman.  Boston has a 3B in the system now that is ranked as one of baseball's top 25 prospects, but he has a ways to go before he's ready.

     Mike Lowell sucks.  I gurantee you that third baseman in the minors will give you more bang for your buck, than Lowell will give for his overpaid, decrepid, candy ass.