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November 19, 2007

Lowell re-signs for three years, $37.5 million

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Red Sox finished their holiday shopping early, re-signing free agent third baseman Mike Lowell today to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million according to someone with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

The salary will be $12 million for each of the next three years, with a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Lowell's signing means the Sox will return the 2007 team almost in its entirety. Earlier this month, the Sox also re-signed pitcher Curt Schilling to a one-year deal.

The Sox had made it clear from the beginning that they were not willing to give Lowell a four-year deal, an approach they had previously taken with Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon.

Lowell attracted various levels of interest from the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and at least some of those clubs were apparently willing to go to a fourth year.

But Lowell made clear that he would prefer to remain with the Sox. His long-term contract, which paid him $9 million annually, expired after the season.

With the 2007 World Series MVP back under contract, the Sox' off-season wish list has shrunk to the depth positions. The Sox could still use a veteran outfielder, a corner infielder and perhaps an upgrade over Doug Mirabelli at the backup catcher position.

Posted by Sean McAdam at 1:37 PM | Permalink

Comments

I was hoping that the Sox could get Lowell back, Christmas came early this year, how's about a "hat trick" with Patriots winning the Super Bowl to go along with the Sox winning the World Series, and can we hope for the Celtics? I like their start ---

Bob Dunphy | November 19, 2007 2:52 PM link

Great news. Mike is a class act who helps the club on offense, defense and in the clubhouse.

Jim Davey | November 19, 2007 3:14 PM link

Great to keep Lowell in a Sox uniform for many reasons. One he is a true pro who plays with poise and his even keeled way seems to rub off on teammates and a great example for the younger guys on the team. Also he is made to play at Fenway Park, his stats bear that out. Third the Sox now don't have to trade top multiple prospects in order to fill 1 position at third base, that is great news. Now it seems Theo should be zeroing in on getting something of worth for Crisp and the possibility of trading for Santana. Other than than always looking to strengthen the pen, a healthy Kerry Wood could be an interesting power arm for the 8th inning and to close when Papelbon needs a break. Go Sox, keep making strong moves.

Neil | November 19, 2007 7:20 PM link