Boston, Texas reach deal on Lowell

INDIANAPOLIS -- While the Red Sox are still in left-field limbo, they appear to be on the verge of making a change at third base.

The Red Sox and Rangers -- according to FoxSports.com -- have reached a preliminary agreement on a deal that would send veteran Mike Lowell to Texas for Minor League catcher Max Ramirez. The holdup is that Boston's ownership must sign off on the Sox assuming nearly all of the $12 million Lowell is due to make in 2010, the last year of his contract.

Lowell's medical history could also be an issue. The Rangers will review Lowell's medical records, which include a repaired right hip in 2008 and a right thumb injury he suffered in 2009.


Multiple sources confirmed to MLB.com that the deal was close, but not finalized.

Earlier on Wednesday night, MLB.com and other media outlets had reported that the clubs had discussed that proposal. Assuming the deal is consummated, the Red Sox are expected to make free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre their primary target as Lowell's replacement. Beltre is widely regarded as an elite defender at the hot corner, though he is coming off a down year at the plate.

Ramirez, 25, has played 17 games in the Majors, all in 2008. He has played in 507 Minor League games, hitting .269 with 69 homers, 329 RBIs and a .398 on-base percentage.

The Red Sox have Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek lined up as their catchers for 2010, but Ramirez could provide them depth for the coming season, as well as an option for a Major League spot down the line.

As of Wednesday evening, the Boston Herald characterized Boston's interest in Beltre as "significant."

Scott Boras, who represents Beltre, said he has spoken with several teams during the Winter Meetings about the two-time Gold Glove Award winner.

"I think teams are looking for offense -- they're looking for complete players," Boras said. "I think in infield play that there are certain third basemen that clubs want to move or transfer from another position, and that creates opportunities for Adrian. We've had probably five or six teams that have expressed interest in him."

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said that his club did converse with Boras on Wednesday, but he didn't elaborate on the subject matter.

The 30-year-old Beltre hit .265 with just eight homers and 44 RBIs in 2009, his season shortened by six weeks because of left shoulder surgery.

In the three seasons before that, Beltre averaged 25 homers and 88 RBIs, while playing half of his games at Safeco Field, hardly a hitting haven.

"I don't think anyone in baseball will not tell you Adrian Beltre is far and above the best defensive third baseman in the game," Boras said.

Lowell has been a steady contributor at the plate in all four of his seasons in Boston. His most memorable season in Boston was 2007, when he helped the Red Sox win a World Series championship, hitting .324 with 21 homers and 120 RBIs. Lowell was the Most Valuable Player of the '07 World Series sweep over the Rockies. At the championship parade, Red Sox fans continually shouted to "Re-sign Lowell." They did, for three years. But it appears that Lowell's time in Boston is about to end.

Thanks to right hip woes in 2008 and the recovery from surgery that followed last season, his range has decreased from what it once was. Doctors have told Lowell and the Red Sox that his mobility should be improved in '10. Lowell will be 36 years old on Opening Day. If Lowell goes to the Rangers, he will likely split his time between first base and designated hitter. Texas has Michael Young at third base.

Epstein has said several times this season that one area that he'd like to upgrade from the 2009 team is defense. Beltre over Lowell would be an upgrade. In recent years, Lowell has been a more productive hitter than Beltre.

Boston now feels good about its defense at shortstop with the addition of Marco Scutaro. It remains to be seen how much more Epstein will do to tighten up on defense. Like everything else, it is a balancing act.

"I think we could do more, certainly," said Epstein. "Whether we're able to or not remains to be seen. I think it will be hard to improve both on offense and with our defense, but I'm not sure which direction it will go yet."

The Red Sox did claim reliever Ramon Ramirez on release waivers, not to be confused with the pitcher they already have with that name. Ramirez has pitched in 16 Major League games over the past two seasons, going 1-1 with a 2.97 ERA. He can also start.

"He's a versatile guy who's had a lot of success out of the bullpen," said Epstein. "If you look at his performance, he's done really well in shorter stints. That intrigues us. [He also has] the ability to start and carry some innings. He's started quite a bit. He's a guy who's a strike thrower with a good changeup who our scouts like, and can come into camp and compete for a variety of roles. If something opens up in our rotation, he'll compete for a rotation spot. If not, he'll compete for the bullpen. He's also got [Minor League] options."