Hot corner could become a hot topic for Sox

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

June 18-19. That's the last time Mike Lowell has played on back-to-back days for the Red Sox.

It seemed only a matter of time until Lowell had problems with his surgically repaired hip. Now the fears are becoming realized. Having had his hip drained earlier today, Lowell is admitting that his hip is a problem and it doesn't just need rest. The question is this: Will this be the beginning of the end of this problem or are we be worrying about whether or not Lowell will be a the lineup every night for the rest of the year?

An if it's only the beginning of Lowell's hip issues this season, at what point do the Red Sox decide that they can't survive a postseason with Mark Kotsay the primary option at first base as Kevin Youkilis will surely move to third.

Any talk of moving a player, specifically Brad Penny, has just been spitballing to this point, but it could become a very real discussion if Lowell fails to prove he can play on a regular basis without his performance being totally hindered.

Penny is making himself an appetizing option to a lot of teams. Take a look at his June stats. 3.18 ERA, 1.34 ERA, 21 K in 28 IP. More than respectable. Toss out the blowup he had against the Rangers and you're looking at a 1.99 ERA.

The time is fast approaching when the Red Sox are going to have to take a long look at Lowell and decide if he's going to help the team. If not, they need to decide if Penny helps the team best as a Red Sox or a member of another squad. Stay tuned.