LOWELL FILES FOR FREE AGENCY

Well, for those keeping a candle in the window for Mike Lowell to re-sign with the Red Sox, a breeze is starting to make that flame flicker a little. Lowell officially filed for free agency on Monday. And now it appears the WS MVP is expecting to explore what options are available for his services.

Lowell’s agents reportedly had been in discussions with Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein for a few days. They had traveled to Florida for the general managers meetings. However, the two parties are obviously far apart in negotiations. Had they been closer together on an agreement it stands to reason Lowell would not have officially filed for free agency. This does not guarantee that Lowell will sign with a new organization, but it does show the Red Sox at this moment in time are not about to overspend to keep their third baseman on the roster.

This negotiation is difficult for Epstein and his organization. Lowell had a banner regular season and followed that up with success in the post-season. Various members of the organization have clearly stated that they would like to bring him back into the fold. However, he will turn 34 years old before the start of the 2008 regular season. In the past, the Red Sox have been reluctant to sign players in their mid 30’s to long term deals. If Lowell is to return to the Red Sox he more than likely will accept less than what the open market would produce.

My opinion is that the Red Sox are currently preparing an offer for Lowell that will be fair, but fall well short of what he could possibly be offered from another organization. The Yankees could enter the mix and offer Lowell a four year deal at $12 million per. It’s unlikely the Red Sox would match an offer of that size.

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Mike Timlin also filed for free agency on Monday. However, the soon to be 42 year old reliever will probably be retained for a one-yr deal. His experience and the ability to keep throwing an effective "sinker" makes him a valuable member of the Red Sox pen. Had Manny Delcarmen had better success in the post-season (8.31 ERA) Timlin would more than likely not be retained.

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Kevin Youkilis won the Gold Glove at first base. Oddly enough, if Lowell is not re-signed by the Red Sox Youk could possibly be moved to third base next season.

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