3B: The Song Remains The Same
While we have been treated to some drama in the past few weeks since Ken Rosenthal’s controversial sideline report from the World Series, it appears that the third base scenario between the two heavyweights of the American League will remain as it was in 2007.
The writing is on the wall in the Bronx, where the Steinbrenners (despite their prior “hard line” claims) are about to open up the purse strings for A-Rod, to the tune of somewhere around $275,000,000.
In other news, despite rumblings that New York was about to offer Mike Lowell an obscene Damon-esque contract to play first base, Buster Olney reports in his blog that the Sox and Lowell are close to agreeing on a 3 year deal, for roughly $36 million. Considering the numbers that were bandied about this offseason, Boston must be happy with this if it is true.
Nothing is final at this point, but these seem like the prudent moves, from the perspective of all parties involved.
UPDATE: According to the Globe, Mike Lowell and the Sox have reached an agreement. That sound you hear is Zach punching a hole in the wall.
I fear we all may be punching holes in walls in two years, but for 2008 this is a good move.
The price is right.
I think it’s a great move, and I couldn’t be happier. Worst case, I can see Youk and Lowell swapping places.
I’m with you Zach, I don’t get it. At least I’m not alone in not wanting Lowell for this contract.
Is he being overpaid? Yeah, probably. But, I think keeping a free agent at his position and not giving up prospects/draft picks to get someone else is worth a premium.
It’s similar to the deal Varitek got a few years ago. Clearly he’s overpaid, but slightly overpaying in this case might be the right move.