Lowell Gone?
Dan:
The Mike Lowell negotiations are beginning to feel a lot like a Johnny Damon redux. And I’m starting to wonder whether the Red Sox really want him back at all, or if the PR-savvy team is just trying to make it look like they tried.
Just like the 2005 talks with Damon, there are plenty of reports that talks are moving forward and a deal looks imminent. But don’t be surprised if – just like the Damon talks – things fall apart.
You see, the Sox would be foolish to tack a fourth year on to this deal. And Lowell would be foolish not to at least talk with other teams, which he can do beginning Monday. If it gets to that point, you can bet the Yankees will be willing to add that fourth year, and bye bye Mikey.
But it would be a bad baseball decision to sign Lowell – who turns 34 in February – to a four-year deal. And I think the Sox might have their sights set elsewhere for third base. But they must at least try to resign Lowell, or they’ll take a public relations hit. This way, they can say they tried really hard to resign Lowell, but were not willing to add that fourth year – a sound decision even Lowell fans should appreciate.
The Sox can then move on to the best option available at third base: Miguel Cabrera. (See "Theo, Trade Cla Bucholz*".)
RED SOX & MLB (by FANS ON THE FIELD .net) 
The Red Sox don’t seem to like it when a free-agent goes out and gets other offers.
Having said that, were the Sox wrong on Martinez or Damon? They both wanted that 4th year; obviously Damon has only had the one injury plagued season but how will he play that 4th season.
I’m thinking that Varitek, Schilling & Ortiz may make some phone calls over the weekend; if Monday comes and other teams can offer dollars Lowell will be a Yankee. The Yanks were ready to pay $25 million (or more) a year at 3B, 5 for $60 is a “deal”.
http://mikemac.mlblogs.com