lowell: back up plans taking shape?

dont get me wrong, i want mike lowell in a sox uniform next year.  more than most of you... im just a realist and i dont always get what i want beleive it or not so ive been looking into the sox backup plans in case a deal with lowell falls through.   theres of course guys like miguel cabrera and troy glaus who may or may not be available.... but id rather not focus on guys like that.  they require prospects, and lots of them.  im not a fan of watching prospects go, so this "blog" is more or less about the internal options.  ready?

now me, im personally against moving youk to 3rd.  the guy just established himself as the best defensive first baseman in the american league, if not baseball.... but unfortunately im not in charge and even more unfortunately the sox dont have anyone in the minors that is anywhere near mlb ready at 3rd base.  correct me if im wrong, i just cant find a single solid 3rd base propsect in the system.  so theres a good chance he changes positions... again.

now i do have a theory about bringing mark loretta back to split time at 3rd with 2B/SS super prospect jed lowrie.... the defense would be solid but the position would have virtually no power.  im doubting my idea here will build any steam, but maybe.

then theres eric hinske.... a free agent, most likely waiting to see if lowell re-signs with the sox before he starts pitching himself to other teams.  im assuming he's hoping to market himself as a starting candidate for 1st or 3rd if lowell doesnt come back... try to pick up a $4 million contract like piniero did last offseason to try out for a postion in spring training.  im a hinske-hater... so this is a horrible option if you ask me.  which brings me to two guys playing winter ball right now:

OF brandon moss is according to ian browne at redsox.com playing 1B in winter ball.  he's in the domincan winter league and is currently batting .327 with no hr and 5 rbi through 55 ab so far.  moss after this winter can take over hinske's spot on the roster being the 5th outfielder/3rd 1B if things go well defensively.  its a good plan, but i really dont see moss as an everyday player in '08... maybe.  he hit .280 in his time with the mlb sox in '07. 

and then theres the guy that came to the sox in the wily mo pena trade... chris carter who is currently playing in the venezuelan winter league.  he's actually batting .393 (leading the league) with 3 hr and 22 rbi through 112 ab... not too bad... except for the 8 errors in 26 games.

so i guess what im trying to say is that while there are some options if lowell does find his pastures to be greener elsewhere, he really needs to stay.  its in the long term interest of the club... the sox shouldnt trade any blue chips to replace him, and theres either going to be a lack of offense from the corners or a lack of defense.... so STAY MIKE...... please.

for more information on other options and the sox players in the winter leagues ive started a forum topic with some information and links.  http://forum.sawxheads.com/index.php?topic=475.0  check it out, and keep the future in mind!

Comments

	So pay him Theo pay him!! 4 years 5 years WHATEVER! 3:51 AM
CaliGrow..

	excellent. this one got about 12 hours in before lowell made his choice. the right one mind you... so lets re-title this "future 1st basemen", " chris carter is trade bait", or "the 3B/1B scenario for the sox, three years from now" 5:30 PM
elmedius

	I would have liked to have seen Andy LaRoche in a Sox uniform 4:27 PM
butters

	I'm excited Mike is back....but I did have myself all worked up about possibly bringing Miguel Cabrera in.... 9:17 AM
Mikey Ve..