The Lone Ranger: Mike Lowell

In a move that was to be expected, the Boston Red Sox traded 3B Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers for minor-league catcher Max Ramirez. Lowell, who played the hot corner the last four seasons will be asked to split time between DH and first base. The move frees up salary cap space, and a jam at the corner infield positions.

In four years with the Red Sox, Lowell averaged 19 HR, 87 RBI with a .291 AVG in 135 games. He was also an intricate player in 2007 World Series team, in which Lowell won the MVP. It will be sad to see him go, but with his age and health both contributing to his downfall it had to be done.

As far as this Max Ramirez fellow, he's a work-in-progress. Ramirez, a 25-year-old native of Venezuela, was originally signed by the Braves and has played parts of the last two seasons with the Rangers. He is considered a better hitter than catcher.