Lowell told the media swarm that his right hip is "10 times" stronger than it was last year, when his mobility suffered coming off surgery prior to the 2009 season. In 119 games for the Red Sox, he batted .290 with a .337 on-base percentage and 17 home runs, but his fielding fell from among the best in the game to some of the worst due to the hip.
The hip currently only bothers the Puerto Rican native when he runs.
"I was able to use the offseason to strengthen and get flexibility and range of motion," said Lowell.
The 35-year-old was slated to be traded to the Texas Rangers for minor league player Max Ramirez in December before it was revealed the third baseman needed surgery to correct a torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb.
"I’m not really worried about my thumb much," Lowell asserted. "The surgery went really well, the rehab’s gone really well. I’m hitting off a tee. I’m assuming that within a week, I’m hitting batting practice and everything."
Lowell currently finds himself without a spot in the Red Sox' lineup due to the signing of new third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Lowell is no stranger to trade rumors. He was shipped to Boston from Florida prior to the 2006 season along with Josh Beckett for a bevy of prospects. Lowell also was involved in an earlier trade, going to the Marlins from the New York Yankees in 1999. He also might have been a candidate to be traded prior to the 2009 season had Boston been successful in its pursuit of Mark Teixeira.
The club might continue to attempt to trade Lowell once he showcases his health in spring training.
For his part, the veteran is appreciative of his tenure in Boston, regardless of what the future brings.
"Of course, I’ve enjoyed Boston," Lowell said. "I have no regrets in whatever way we go."
