Sox could survive loss of Lowell

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You are a concerned member of Red Sox Nation. You don’t understand why Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein won’t extend the length of his contract offer to World Series Most Valuable Player Mike Lowell.

Lowell wants a four-year deal and Epstein offered him a three-year deal for $12 million per year.

But losing Lowell is only part of your concern, isn’t it?

What is eating at you is the fact that if Lowell becomes a free agent, he may sign with the dreaded New York Yankees.

Just like Johnny Damon did.

What is really bugging you is you know if Lowell signs with somebody else, that means the new Red Sox third baseman could be none other than A-Rod.

That’s right, Alex Rodriguez.

The guy who tangled with Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek.

The guy who ticked off the Toronto Blue Jays when he distracted infielder Howie Clark into misplaying a popup by yelling at him as he ran the bases.

The guy whose egomaniacal agent, Scott Boras, announced during the fourth game of the World Series that his client won’t return to the Yankees next year.

But, so what?

I realize that A-Rod has never won a World Series and Lowell has two World Series rings, one with the Marlins and another with the Red Sox.

And his price tag could be three times more than Lowell’s.

He may not be the best guy to have in your locker room, either, depending upon who you believe.

But that’s what was said about Randy Moss and he seems to have fit in nicely with the Patriots.

And if you compare the statistics, A-Rod has more impressive numbers. He’s also 17 months younger than Lowell.

If you break down A-Rod’s career statistics into a 162-game season average, he has averaged 44 homers, 34 doubles and 128 RBIs to go with a .306 batting average. He has also averaged 23 stolen bases.

Lowell’s statistics read: .280, 23 homers, 97 RBIs, 41 doubles, 3 stolen bases.

A-Rod has hit at least 35 homers and knocked in at least 106 runs in each of the last 10 seasons.

Lowell has driven in 100 or more runs three times over the last eight years and has hit more than 24 home runs in a season twice.

His 120 RBIs this past season represented his career high. A-Rod drove in 156 runs.

You may say Lowell is a better hitter in the postseason.

Not so fast.

A-Rod is a .279 hitter in the postseason with seven homers and 17 RBIs in 39 games. Lowell is a .278 hitter with four homers and 20 RBIs in 29 games.

Lowell is a better defensive third baseman, but A-Rod made 13 errors this season, two fewer than Lowell. Both played 154 games at third.

Anyway, what if this past season turns out to be Lowell’s best? What if he falls off next season?

He hasn’t put up consistent power numbers or RBI numbers like A-Rod has.

I’m not saying they shouldn’t re-sign Lowell.

He is the epitome of class and a terrific role model.

I’m just saying prepare yourselves.

After all, who would have thought Johnny Damon was going to sign with the Yankees after helping the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004?

The Red Sox have obviously overcome the losses of Damon and Pedro Martinez.

Having A-Rod hitting behind David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez is intriguing.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by email at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.