This guy is such a variable in thinking through the 2010 roster construction. He could be:
- Our starting SS
- Our super-sub 2B/SS/3B
- A key trade chip
- An almost total non-factor due to a lingering wrist condition
- Although less likely, a platoon 3B with Lowell
Part of the recent Gammons blog post regarding our future at SS
focused on Jose Iglesias, as mentioned in a separate thread, but also had this to say about Lowrie:
I'd be thrilled to see him start at SS, but he would be a nicer fit at 3B in the long run if his quick release can make up for the slightly below average arm. This would allow Youk to stay at 1B, with Martinez as more of a C/DH with very limited time at 1B. Just curious what others are expecting from him in 2010, as he has kind of dropped off the radar a little due to his extensive time on the DL.The 25-year-old Lowrie this week had his surgically repaired left wrist rechecked in Arizona and was told he should have a normal recovery and full strength in both hands and wrists. "It was," Lowrie texted, "a relief."
But if Lowrie is healthy, they believe he will be their shortstop -- an intelligent defender who reads swing paths and pitches, has slightly below-average arm strength and an understanding of how to make the plays. When he started in Yankee Stadium against CC Sabathia in September, Lowrie gave the Sox a glimpse of what he can be, taking Melky Cabrera to the center-field wall off Sabathia and easily making a difficult play on a chopper over the mound.
One Red Sox official says "sometime around June next year someone'll ask, 'Did you see this coming with Jed Lowrie?' "
