Mike Lowell Unsure of Future With Boston Red Sox

Sports News - February 23rd, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

The off-season events that occurred between the Boston Red Sox and Mike Lowell came full circle during the third baseman's appearance in front of the media on Tuesday. During his remarks, he eluded to the fact that Spring training will most likely be a tryout, and it is anyone's guess as to what uniform he will be wearing come opening day.

"I'm highly motivated to show I can play," Lowell remarked. "Where that takes me, I don't know. We'll see."

Lowell is currently coming into his final season of his contract with the Red Sox after signing a $37.5 million deal. For now, he has no position with the team, as a trade to the Texas Rangers fell apart following surgery Lowell had to repair torn ligament in his thumb. Boston acquired third baseman Adrianne Beltre to replace Lowell, assuming he would no longer be with the club.

Tuesday, Lowell stated that his thumb was improving every day. Over the past weeks he has been hitting the ball from a tee, but expects to get up to full batting practice soon. He estimates that he will be ready for the start of spring training exhibition games, which are slated to begin on March 3rd.

Lowell is not new to the injury bug, as less than two years ago, he had hip surgery. The third baseman said that he feels it is "10 times stronger" at this point in 2010 than at the same point in time a season ago.

"If I was on trading block before, I can't imagine all of a sudden I'm not now," Lowell remarked. "My health is something that I obviously need to show to Red Sox and every other team. If that opens door to something else, I'll go wherever I go or stay wherever I stay."

Reporters asked Lowell of the potential for him to assume a back up position for Boston.

"I've never been approached to say that's in their plans," he responded. "But like I said, if I'm definitely healthier at this point than last year, I don't know why I should have less at-bats."

Terry Francona, manager of the team, said that during spring training he will put Lowell at first base and see how he will fit in that role.

"I don't think it hurts to show the fact I can play another position," he said. "Whether that means I'm more versatile here in Boston or somewhere else."

Following a meeting with the organizations' general manager Theo Epstein, Lowell told reporters that he understands the whole situation, and has no ill feelings.

"I'm pretty set that all things were going to come to an end sooner or later," Lowell said. "I didn't think I was going to play forever. I really haven't stopped to think how I feel.

"Have I enjoyed Boston? Of course I enjoyed Boston. I never said I haven't. There still six weeks left in spring. Things happen, whether they go your way or not. Things have pretty much gone my way my whole career. I'll have no regrets whichever way things go."

The Red Sox are among the favorites to claim the 2010 World Series Championship. The Major League Baseball Betting Lines at Bodog sportsbook have installed the club with 6/1 odds.