Red Sox Third Baseman

As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees.  We will continue with the third basemen and start with the Boston Red Sox.

When the Red Sox got 3B Mike Lowell in the RHP Josh Beckett trade it appeared that he was simply a throw-in on the part of the Florida Marlins.  But Lowell exceeded expectations in Boston and became a fan favorite.  He overstayed his welcome last season (which wasn't really his fault as he was all set to go to Texas) but was admirably replaced by 3B Adrian Beltre.  Beltre's gone now, but Boston's new third baseman was on their roster the whole time.

1.  Kevin Youkilis:  Youkilis has been Boston's first baseman since 2006 but he's moving back to his natural position now.  There's a question about his defense, but Youkilis has stayed fresh at third over the years by taking ground balls there and getting into games at the hot corner at least a couple times a year.  In fact, he played 63 games at third in 2008.  Youkilis won't be flawless, though, and he may be a little rusty at first.  Expect him to focus on third in the first half, but if all goes well he could be playing multiple positions later in the season, particularly first base where he can give 1B Adrian Gonzalez a rest down the stretch.  Youkilis is a stud at the plate.  He batted .307 last season.

2.  Jed Lowrie:  Lowrie, a former first round draft pick and top prospect, will start his fourth season as the team's utility infielder.  He did a good job last season, playing all four infield positions and batting .287.  Lowrie has yet to live up to his expectations after three stellar years in college (although there's still hope that he may break out) and he may be better suited as a utility player.  GM Theo Epstein has stated that Lowrie will split time with SS Marco Scutaro and will likely get most of his playing time there, but he'll be Youk's understudy at third as well.  Expect Lowrie to get a lot of playing time as a late defensive replacement at third early on.

The Red Sox don't have a lot of depth at third as they have no veterans at AAA (yet) and they don't have any prospects anywhere near the Majors.  But Youkilis is a stud and Lowrie may be able to fill in large chunks of time if he is injured.  The biggest question is Youk's defense but they should be able to counter that with Lowrie in tow.  Overall, third should be a strength for the Red Sox.