Report: Mike Lowell Nearly Traded to Yankees Via Three-Team Deal

Believe it or not, Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was almost a New York Yankee on Saturday.

According to FoxSports.com, Lowell involved in a three-team trade that would have sent him to the Rangers, who were then going to send him to the Yankees. The report fails to list any other players involved in the trade, but it insists that the acquisition of Lance Berkman didn't deter such a move.

The 36-year-old Lowell likely would have served as a right-handed DH and a backup for Alex Rodriguez at third base and for Mark Teixeira at first. Lowell, who hasn't been activated from the DL despite going 11-for-22 with four homers during his recent rehab assignment with the Pawtucket Red Sox, could still be moved via the waiver wire.

The Phillies, Twins and Rays also are reported to have interest in the 13-year veteran.

The Yanks drafted Lowell in the 20th round of the 1995 draft and called him up during the 1998 season where he received 15 at-bats in eight games played. Lowell was then traded to the Marlins leading into the 1999 season for Todd Noel, Mark Johnson and Ed Yarnall.