[sublime]

32 is old now? His offense is a question mark. But looking at his OPS+ starting with 2005 and moving back: 77, 127, 132, 116, 106, 108. Which year looks like the fluke? Based on the stats, there is a very good chance Lowell is average or better offensively in 2006. I'd say his chance in 2006 is better than Marte.

old(er). and if moving him to 1b is what it takes to get marte AB's then i dotn see what the big deal is. again, i dont think lowell is useless just more flexible to move due to his maturity.

ike Lowells salary had to be taken, not Mike Lowell. If you look at Mike Lowell as a $x player, he adds value. But the real value lost is going from Renteria to Alex Cora. The Red Sox got better (for 2006) when they picked up Beckett and Lowell, and they got worse when they traded Renteria.

i can agree with the got worse for 2006 with THIS deal statement *if* marte spends the year in the minors. if he plays and has a ROY season, then of course thats not true.

however, its also a short term view. as the sox are constructed TODAY (if damn resings, cora/pedroia play SS) they are the favorites to win the AL east. renteria sucked last year and they finished tied and they have gained more this offseason then lost.

i think they view marte as having the most value in 07-10, but who knows? its still not even january.

Signing Alex Gonzalez would be a good move for the team. How much is he asking for? I would hope it's nowhere near $6M/yr. Pedroia could be interesting. Didn't he play second last year though?

yes, but played SS every year before that (defensive player of the year at ASU as SS)

fwiw, i can see your argument in this case (even though I dont agree with it) and dont take my rudeness personally please [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]