Mike Lowell Isn't Heading Anywhere Just Yet

The rumored Red Sox trade that would send fan favorite Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers for C/1B Max Ramirez is reportedly on hold for the time being. Both teams have decided to take a little more time to examine the potential deal, according to the New York Post.

As part of the trade, the Sox would include $9 million of the $12 million (that's a lot and one of the reasons it is on hold) that is owed to Lowell for the final year of his deal. Texas would use the veteran as primarily a 1B/DH entering next season.

Impact for the Sox: Lowell has been the model citizen and the epitome of consistancy since being acquired along with Josh Beckett in the Hanley Ramirez trade prior to the 2006 season. However, over the last two seasons, Lowell has been limited due to hip injury (49 games missed in '08 and 43 games missed in '09) and the team has grown increasingly concerned with his durability and range.

The following are his statistics over his time with the team. His slight drop-off in performance over the last couple of seasons have been due to injury limitations (hip).

2006	BOS							HR 20	RBI 80	BB 47	K 61	SB 2	CS 2	AVG .284
2007	BOS							21	120	53	71	3	2	.324
2008	BOS							17	73	38	61	2	2	.274
2009	BOS							17	75	33	61	2	1	.290

His best year was in fact in 2007 where he batted .324 with 24 HRs and 120 RBIs and brought home the World Series MVP trophy. The Red Sox signed Lowell to a three year deal worth $37.5 million after the 2007 season, but at 35 years old, the team is now seeking to deal him and move in a different direction.

A Future Slugger for the Sox?: Max Ramirez has been on Boston's wishlist for a while now. The 25-year old Venezuelan has a career minor league line of .300/.399/.490 in 1768 ABs. A career minor leaguer, he has shown the potential that the Red Sox covet but has yet to translate that into major league success. At 25, he is losing his appeal as a "prospect", but still has time to turn it around. If Ramirez hopes to find success in the Major Leagues, it may well come as a first baseman as the C/1B has been hindered by his defensive abilities behind the plate. Many opposing executives cite this as the reason he is not yet in the big show.

Ramirez's 2009 season was disappointing (.234 BA in 274 ABs in AAA) and derailed in July when he was placed on the disabled list with left wrist tendinitis. He would more than likely open the 2010 season in Pawtucket where he would have to prove he is healthy and able to play the infield if he would have any shot of getting time with the major league club this season.

Who would replace Lowell?: A popular name being closely associated with the team right now is Adrian Beltre. That's right, Adrian Beltre. Some might be questioning why the Sox covet the ex-Mariners 3B, but a closer look at his spectacular defensive abilities and range quickly explain why the team is interested; Rays manager Joe Madden called him the best defensive 3B he has ever seen. However, his price tag (seeking over $10 million a year for more than 3 years) and approach at the plate (.325 career OBP) don't quite fill out the Sox lineup as well as some fans would hope.

It will be interesting to see what type of strategy the Sox execute if and when Mike Lowell does indeed get traded.