The Red Sox recalled top SS prospect Jed Lowrie from Triple-A on Thursday to fill the slot vacated by the injured Mike Lowell. However, Sox skipper Terry Francona elected to play Sean Casey at first and shift Kevin Youkilis to third as an immediate solution, so Lowrie’s been forced to watch the games from the bench.
That may change after his performance in his big league debut today. Lowrie went 1-4, but his first career hit was a 2-run single in the 7th inning. Lowrie finished the game batting in 3 of the Red Sox 5 runs in a comeback victory over the Cleveland Indians. Unfortunately, with Casey already in competition and Lowell set to return in the not so distant future, Lowrie is really limited to a utility role. Unless the Sox are rocked by injury, don’t expect Lowrie to have too much fantasy value this season. He’s their SS of the future though, so don’t forget this name.
The Red Sox had a brief scare today when top infielder prospect Jed Lowrie collided violently with fellow prospect David Mailman, as reported by MLB.com’s Ian Browne. The collision occurred when Lowrie and Kevin Youkilis had Mailman in a run-down. For some reason, Mailman stopped dead in his tracks and Lowrie was unable to avoid running into him. According to the stud prospect, the collision was not as bad as it looked, and everyone left unscathed.
Colby Rasmus’ call-up could be delayed for business reasons. A few days ago we discussed how Evan Longoria is in the same position. The Cardinals could gain an extra year of free agency with a short delay, and avoid Super-Two status with a mid-season call-up.
Dodgers’ SS prospect Chin-Lung Hu will more than likely start the season at Triple-A. But with Rafael Furcal’s contract up after this season, look for Hu to compete for that position next Spring.
Giants’ IF prospect Eugenio Velez could steal a whole lot of bases if given the opportunity. Velez has 122 stolen bases between the past two seasons.
The MLB.com author argues that the Braves might be better off keeping BA’s 70th ranked overall Brandon Jones (OF) at Triple-A this season. The thought is that allowing him to play every day will be better for his development than sticking him in a major league platoon with Matt Diaz.
Jesus Flores has not lost his status as the Catcher of the future for the Nationals; the future has just gotten a little further away. It seems he will spend at least a portion of the season at Triple-A due to the signings of Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada.
Nolan Reimold could see some playing time in Baltimore this season, just not in April. With CF and RF firmly occupied by Adam Jones and Nick Markakis, the only option for Reimold is in Left. Luke Scott will have to really struggle or get injured for the Orioles to make the call for Reimold this season.
Look for Jed Lowrie to be this year’s version of Jacoby Ellsbury, a late season call-up with immediate impact. Lowrie is currently playing shortstop, but could probably play any infield position and “can flat-out hit”.
