[EmpireWF]

The Boston Herald has a quote from Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein regarding free-agent to be, 3B Mike Lowell. "(Re-signing Lowell is) a priority for the offseason, and I’m sure we’ll be able to get something done. We have a desire to keep him here a long time. He’s a core member of the organization. It’s just not the time to talk about that.”

Whether that means Boston will meet Lowell's request for a long-term contract remains to be seen. It looks like his negotiations will come down to years.

[legend]

They would be nuts not to resign him to a long term deal, espeically after what they have gone through at shortstop since 2004.

[LSC9901]

They do want him and Theo wants him but ...... A-Rod is now available even though the Sox do not like giving long term contarcts to players over 35.

[EmpireWF]

It depends on where they want to spend their money. Lowell, a known commodity in the post-season, or A-Rod.

Both guys have their positives and negatives.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Both guys have their positives and negatives.

why cant both be had ?

the owners group has the money ....... and it could basically assure the Red Sox the AL East for the next 5 years

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by simple simon

why cant both be had ?

the owners group has the money ....... and it could basically assure the Red Sox the AL East for the next 5 years

It's possible. Let's just say that A-Rod gets an 8-year deal and Lowell gets a 4-year deal.

ARod would be 40 by the end of the deal. Lowell would be 37 by the end of the deal. Is Boston willing to make that kind of commitment?

Plus if Boston goes after A-Rod, their payroll would probably be in the $170 Million+ range. It's not like they can't afford it, but are there any restrictions?