The Red Sox need 35-year old righty swinging Mike Lowell to play a whole season in 2009. He had a serious hip injury last season that required surgery that he’s still trying to recover from. He played in 113 games for the Red Sox in 2008 and he was 115 for 419 (.274 avg, .799 OPS) with 58 runs scored, 17 homers and 73 RBIs. Lowell still has solid range but he made 10 errors in 110 games at 3B for the Red Sox last season. Look for Lowell to have a solid season if healthy in 2009.

Kevin Youkilis played in 36 games at 3B for the Red Sox after Lowell was injured and he played well there only making 3 errors while showing outstanding range. Even though he played well at 3B the Red Sox would like to keep him on the other side of the diamond in 2009.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: B

The Boston Red Sox will have a good old fashioned battle for the starting shortstop job in spring training between Julio Lugo and Jed Lowrie. With the money the Red Sox are paying Lugo I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins this battle. Lugo played in 82 games for the Red Sox last season and he was 70 for 261 (.268 avg, .685 OPS) with 27 runs scored, 1 homer, 22 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. He’s a better hitter than that he might show that this season. Lugo made a stunning 16 errors in only 81 games at shortstop last season while showing poor range. Lugo will need to hit to retain his starting job and keep it in 2009.

24-year old switch hitting Jed Lowrie stepped up last season when the Red Sox really needed the help. He played in 81 games for the Red Sox and he was 53 for 198 (.258 avg, .739 OPS) with 34 runs scored, 2 homers and 46 RBIs. Lowrie didn’t show much range, just like Lugo, but he didn’t make any errors at shortstop in 49 games there.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: C-