It took just three weeks since winning the 2007 World Series as the Red Sox resigned third baseman Mike Lowell to a three-year deal worth between $36-38 million. The Sox have taken care of their two biggest free agents as they brought back both Schilling and World Series MVP Lowell.With all the fans saying since the season ended that they wanted Lowell back, the Sox brass seemed to listen and passed on the overpriced distraction known as A-Rod. Lowell is everything that A-Rod is not. He's a great teammate, he's unselfish and he's loyal. The Yankees look to be signing A-Rod to a 10-year deal worth around $250 million. They've brought back Rivera and Posada too. However if they don't do something to get some more starting pitching (there's been rumors of acquiring Johan Santana), the Yankees will be looking up at the Red Sox for the near future.
Boston only has bit players and relievers left to either resign or let go. The entire starting lineup and rotation from the World Series Champion is coming back. This really could be the beginning of a dynasty (which is so hard to do in modern baseball). This team is a blend of youth and experience. Talent and veteran guile. With the best GM and owners in baseball and the second highest payroll, this team should compete every year.
Nobody deserved a contract more than Mike Lowell, who was a throw-in from the Marlins in the Josh Beckett deal. Everybody in baseball thought he was washed up and he's had two great years in Boston. In fact, this past season was his best ever at the plate as he set career highs in hits (191), RBIs (120), OBP (.378) and batting average (.324). He is a four-time All-Star and a one-time Gold Glover, who will turn 34 in 2008 Spring Training. In 2007 he made a career-high 15 errors but that seems like a blip especially given his resurgence at the plate. It's going to be great to see Lowell end his solid MLB career in Boston and not in some other city with another team.
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