3B

AutomatedTeller · 11-24-2006, 11:06 AM

So, it looks like Lowell will be back at 3B. Who would have guessed that Lowell was the guy who would make the trade not too lopsided?

Anyway - what do we expect from him? A season like last year? Slightly better? A drop back to 2005?

I'm thinking about the same - his OBP and SLG (.339 and .475) are similar to 2000 and 2002, to say nothing of his career stats (.339/.463). He had his peak seasons in 2003 and 2004, and while he can certainly reach that again with the right supplements, I'm thinking that what we have with Lowell is what we get.

rubberball · 11-24-2006, 01:47 PM

if we can keep him in the 6 or 7 hole for the whole year I think he would improve on last years numbers.

RangerFan09 · 11-24-2006, 03:20 PM

If he keeps hitting you guys doubles and getting on base when the top of the order comes around. And continues to lay good on the defense side. Then i would be happy if i were a Soxs fan. Lowell is getting older but still a pretty good player.

EnderSwarm · 11-24-2006, 07:33 PM

The only thing I'd ask more from Mike Lowell in 2007 is consistency. He had that dead period around mid-season where it seemed like he wasn't doing a damn thing (July in particular, looking at his stats). His numbers overall were pretty good though. I'd like for him to lower his GIDP's (he had 22 last season), but his slow speed probably makes that a "can't-help" issue at this point.

Lowell is only under contract for 2007. I wonder what the future holds for us at that position?

WhosyourPapi???? · 11-24-2006, 11:41 PM

I am expecting Lowell to do about the same has he did last year maybe a bit better. I hope Boston doesnt trade him. He has an amazing glove and he can hit. For the future at third base i have no idea. But as Francona said during 2004 playoffs,Ill worry about tomorow tomorow os somethign like that.

Kevin · 11-25-2006, 01:43 AM

I fully concur with those who say Lowell has an amazing glove. But Youkilis isn't half bad either. But since this is less of a roster construction debate let me give you my thoughts on Lowell.

3B is a pretty weak position right now in major league baseball. For what it's worth, there aren't a ton of elite hitters at the spot. Between glove and bat, I don't see that we have much of a debate left: just pay Lowell the money next year and let it ride.

As for stats, I'm not overly optimistic. Sure, he could pull a Joe Crede. But realistically I see something around 800 OPS with hopefully more Gold Glove defense. It's likely that'll be his last season in a Sox uniform and it won't be enough to erase the sting of losing (I can't even say the names without invoking pain) for (5 great games and a fastball).

That said, if this was a roster construction thread, then I would advocate starting Papi at 1B and moving Youkilis back to his natural spot. But how can you discuss 3B without talking about Youks these days?

- Kevin

AutomatedTeller · 11-25-2006, 06:13 PM

Here's another question - can the Sox survive if Lowell is the #5 hitter? The 2004 Sox had a better #5 hitter (Millar), plus a better #1/2 hitter (Damon/Bellhorn) than the 2006 edition did.

WhosyourPapi???? · 11-25-2006, 06:47 PM

It dpeneds on which Lowell, i its the Mike Lowell that hits 20 homeruns a year then yes. If it's the Lowell form 2005 then no. I would sign JD Drew for some insurrance though.

Rice4HoF · 11-26-2006, 12:50 AM

I was very pleasantly surprised by Lowell's 2006. I don't expect him to repeat his season, but don't think he'll have a huge dropoff. We'll continue to see his usual solid D, and some occasional pop from his bat. By, I hope we're not counting on him as our everyday #5 hitter.

11-24-2006, 11:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
AutomatedTeller Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 545	3B So, it looks like Lowell will be back at 3B. Who would have guessed that Lowell was the guy who would make the trade not too lopsided? Anyway - what do we expect from him? A season like last year? Slightly better? A drop back to 2005? I'm thinking about the same - his OBP and SLG (.339 and .475) are similar to 2000 and 2002, to say nothing of his career stats (.339/.463). He had his peak seasons in 2003 and 2004, and while he can certainly reach that again with the right supplements, I'm thinking that what we have with Lowell is what we get.

11-25-2006, 01:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kevin FanHome Founder Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 102	I fully concur with those who say Lowell has an amazing glove. But Youkilis isn't half bad either. But since this is less of a roster construction debate let me give you my thoughts on Lowell. 3B is a pretty weak position right now in major league baseball. For what it's worth, there aren't a ton of elite hitters at the spot. Between glove and bat, I don't see that we have much of a debate left: just pay Lowell the money next year and let it ride. As for stats, I'm not overly optimistic. Sure, he could pull a Joe Crede. But realistically I see something around 800 OPS with hopefully more Gold Glove defense. It's likely that'll be his last season in a Sox uniform and it won't be enough to erase the sting of losing (I can't even say the names without invoking pain) for (5 great games and a fastball). That said, if this was a roster construction thread, then I would advocate starting Papi at 1B and moving Youkilis back to his natural spot. But how can you discuss 3B without talking about Youks these days? - Kevin __________________ FanHome is Independent Again! Tell a Friend \| Moderators: Read This Thread and That

11-24-2006, 01:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
rubberball Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 29	if we can keep him in the 6 or 7 hole for the whole year I think he would improve on last years numbers.

11-24-2006, 03:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
RangerFan09 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 157	If he keeps hitting you guys doubles and getting on base when the top of the order comes around. And continues to lay good on the defense side. Then i would be happy if i were a Soxs fan. Lowell is getting older but still a pretty good player.

11-24-2006, 07:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
EnderSwarm Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 15	The only thing I'd ask more from Mike Lowell in 2007 is consistency. He had that dead period around mid-season where it seemed like he wasn't doing a damn thing (July in particular, looking at his stats). His numbers overall were pretty good though. I'd like for him to lower his GIDP's (he had 22 last season), but his slow speed probably makes that a "can't-help" issue at this point. Lowell is only under contract for 2007. I wonder what the future holds for us at that position?

11-24-2006, 11:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
WhosyourPapi???? Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calgary Posts: 36	I am expecting Lowell to do about the same has he did last year maybe a bit better. I hope Boston doesnt trade him. He has an amazing glove and he can hit. For the future at third base i have no idea. But as Francona said during 2004 playoffs,Ill worry about tomorow tomorow os somethign like that.

11-25-2006, 06:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
AutomatedTeller Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 545	Here's another question - can the Sox survive if Lowell is the #5 hitter? The 2004 Sox had a better #5 hitter (Millar), plus a better #1/2 hitter (Damon/Bellhorn) than the 2006 edition did.

11-25-2006, 06:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
WhosyourPapi???? Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calgary Posts: 36	It dpeneds on which Lowell, i its the Mike Lowell that hits 20 homeruns a year then yes. If it's the Lowell form 2005 then no. I would sign JD Drew for some insurrance though.

11-26-2006, 12:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
Rice4HoF Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 60	I was very pleasantly surprised by Lowell's 2006. I don't expect him to repeat his season, but don't think he'll have a huge dropoff. We'll continue to see his usual solid D, and some occasional pop from his bat. By, I hope we're not counting on him as our everyday #5 hitter.