4/2 08:49: Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said, “there hasn’t been much trade activity, if (any) at all, with him (Lowell) this spring.” Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald suggests that the waiver claim by the Rangers for first baseman Ryan Garko could kill whatever trade possibility was left. In the meantime, Lowell will probably start the season as a very expensive backup for the Red Sox.

3/31 14:24: Gorden Edes of ESPNBoston.com says that trade talks over infielder Mike Lowell between the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers have accelerated. Over the past few days, Rangers’ scouts have been watching Lowell.

Over the course of Spring Training, frustration has set in with Lowell given that he’s only had 10 at-bats prove himself. Lowell says, “”I probably would have lost, no matter who I was up against. But I’m just saying from the standpoint of ability and what I can do, I just don’t think that opportunity was there.” The Red Sox have indicated that the market for Lowell never developed throughout Spring Training and the timing of his thumb surgery is partially to blame.

Lowell was originally going to be traded to the Texas Rangers this winter, but it was called off after doctors discovered the ligament tear in his thumb.   Part of the deal with the Rangers was that the Red Sox were going to pick up $9 million of the $12 million salary. You can see Lowell’s contract history and statistics here.