Mikey Lowell You Give Me Hope!

Like everyone else in Red Sox Nation, my heart sank a little bit when I heard that Mikey Lowell was heading on the 15 Day DL. We had heard in reports that the effects of the shot could be known within 24 hours, so many of us were assuming the worst with hearing that news that he is heading to the DL and we are seeing Jeff Bailey's smiling face for the next couple of weeks.

Well, The Boston Globe just posting an article that makes me all kinds of happy and gives me hope about seeing Mikey Lowell at 3rd for the long haul this season.

Mike Lowell’s stay on the disabled should not be any longer than the virtual minimum, which means he is scheduled to return the day after the All-Star break. He is eligible to come off July 12, the Sunday before the break, but coming off for one game wouldn’t make much sense. In all, Lowell will miss 14 games but received 19 days off, a pretty good trade off.

And, manager Terry Francona said, Lowell showed up in Boston today feeling great, “to the point he’s thinking about he could play in a couple days,” Francona said.

Now that is the news I wanted to hear. I look forward to seeing Mikey Lowell and his famous scowl in a game sometime SOON.

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Welcome Back Kotsay

The Red Sox got one step closer to being back to full health today. The Sox activated Mark Kotsay of the disabled list. As a result, Jeff Bailey was sent back down to AAA Pawtucket.

Just in case you are not sure who Mark Kotsay is...he was traded to the Red Sox late last year. He became incredibly important as we pressed on in the post season. Kotsay plays OF and first base. We got to see Kotsay's impressive skills at first base quite a bit when Mikey Lowell went down with his hip injury. In many ways...Kotsay helped us go as far as we did.

Since Kotsay was sent our way, I've been a fan. I was initially thrilled to hear that he was resigned to a one year deal with the Sox for 2009. I became a tad less thrilled when I heard that he needed to undergo back surgery and wouldn't be available until May or June....and that the Red Sox were not made aware of this when signing him.

However, I still think Kotsay is an incredibly valuable guy to have on the bench. He can back up our outfield if needed...and it probably will be with the double team of injury prone fellas, Rocco Baldelli and JD Drew (love both of them, but it's a fact). And his value at First Base has already been shown in 2008. It gives Terry Francona so many more options. He can give Mikey Lowell more rest if needed...and allow Lowell to DH if and when it comes to that.

So welcome back Kots! Feel free to get back to kick arse anytime buddy!

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Timlin Going on the DL?

The Boston Herald is reporting that Mike Timlin won't pitch against the A's on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Herald says there is a chance that the Sox will put Timlin on the DL to start the season.

Timlin has two stitches in his finger, and the Sox want to be cautious with him. According to the Herald, another reason for a possible DL move is to give the Sox more time to figure out the final bullpen roster spot. Bryan Corey, David Aardsma and Javier Lopez are battling for the final spot.

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