Mike Lowell isn't getting any younger. He hasn't been the quickest on his feet over at third base in recent years, and with his bad hip, one would think that it's a good time to move the veteran across the diamond to first base.
Even Lowell himself would be on board for the move.
"I wouldn't rule it out, absolutely not," he told WEEI.com. "I'm a realist. If they think that makes us a better defensive team, that's fine. I don't have a major problem with that. I would have to work on it. I think Triple-A was probably the last time I played first. I played for about three or four games. But that doesn't mean I think I can't do it. But I haven't been asked."
By taking over the bag, Kevin Youkilis would be heading back to third base, which certainly isn't a problem for the sure-handed Youkilis. By putting Lowell at first, he would get less ground balls but would still be dealing with plenty of action. The switch wouldn't necessarily be better for his ailing hip as there are different movements and pivots involved in covering first.
Plus, manager Terry Francona isn't about to throw in the towel on Lowell's defense.
"I'm not for it,'' Francona told ESPNBoston.com. "The guy has played third base his whole life. He could [play first], but I don't know if it's as easy as people think, and I don't know if it's in his best interests.''
