The only thing that made this one a little different was that the man on the receiving end of Wakefield’s throw was former Gold Glove-winning third baseman Mike Lowell, who made his 2010 Grapefruit League debut by playing first base in Boston’s 8-4 loss to Baltimore on Monday.
There were no issues with the play, which comes as no surprise to Wakefield. According to the knuckleballer, it is Lowell’s ability to swallow his pride and take on a new challenge which speaks to what he means to the team.
"The list goes on and on,” Wakefield said when asked what influence Lowell has. “He’s been as professional as anybody I’ve ever played with. He’s been a great leader in the clubhouse. He’s been a great friend off the field to me. He’s just a tremendous guy. To see him battle injury the last couple of years, it’s been difficult to watch, but he’s a gamer. … For me, I’m glad that he didn’t get traded to Texas this offseason, because by far, he’s the most professional guy I’ve played with and he’s been a tremendous leader in this clubhouse.
"That’s something that would’ve been sorely missed if he got traded to Texas."
Since that trade fell through and the Sox brought in Adrian Beltre to play third base, the issue of Lowell’s role has been at the forefront of things in Fort Myers. But it wasn’t until Lowell officially returned on Monday that the analysis could truly begin.
Lowell had a single in his first at-bat and had the opportunity to run the bases a bit when David Ortiz walked and J.D. Drew singled Lowell to third. He flied to right in his second appearance and was lifted for a defensive replacement the next inning.
The throw from Wakefield was the only play in which Lowell was involved, as the pitcher gave up a series of fly balls and hard hits to the outfield. Somehow, Lowell, who did not meet with the media, still made an impression.
"He looks comfortable there anyway," Wakefield said. "He’s very athletic, and I think if you put him anywhere, he would look normal there."
Ortiz, who played the position plenty earlier in his career, had the same reaction.
"Looked like a natural at first base," Ortiz said. "I told him when we were taking grounders, ‘Man, you look like you played here forever.' That’s what happens when you are good defensively, you look natural everywhere."
Manager Terry Francona also chimed in, saying the amount of action was perfect for what the club wanted to accomplish.
"It was nice to get him in there," Francona said. "It was good to get him a couple of at-bats. He got to run the bases. He got to play first base. He hasn’t been in a game for a while. … That was enough."
Enough for now. Lowell will get a chance to build on this debut when he starts on Tuesday in Port Charlotte against Tampa Bay.
