Gabbard; Some Trade Possibilities

If you heard anything about trading Lowell, be assured that he is here to stay. Or so Theo says. From MLB.com: Lowell was not at all preoccupied with recent rumors that the Red Sox had talked of dealing him to the Padres for right-hander Jake Peavy. While general manager Theo Epstein completely shot down the rumors to reporters on Friday, Lowell was also given firm assurance from the club that the reports weren't accurate. "Tito [Francona] did talk to me yesterday and told me that Theo said there was no truth to it whatsoever, so that's coming from the boss."

It turned out that Kason Gabbard had a really good beginning to his Boston career. Over 5.1 innings, he only allowed two earned runs. It was the sixth inning when the trouble set in. Again, MLB.com reports: It was all set in motion when Lowell charged a slow roller by Eduardo Perez and made a barehand snag and throw to first. Perez was ruled safe, as first-base umpire Larry Poncino ruled that David Ortiz's foot was off the bag. Several television replays appeared to show Ortiz's foot resting on the bag when the ball landed in his glove. Typical! The Gonz made a throwing error that broke the tie in favor of the Mariners, but...A-Rod did strike out 4 times yesterday for the first time in 11 years.

But it seems that we may have another young and reliable pitcher in the works, so though we did get the loss, good things may be coming with this kid. He is going to have to change his number IMMEDIATELY though, as for some reason he took 61 (which will always be Bronson Arroyo's number).

TRADE TALK

The Globe is saying there's a possibility for a Pena-Arroyo reverse trade. Please don't tease. But seriously, many teams are looking to get Pena, and the Sox need a pitcher more than ever. From the Boston Globe:

Cleveland -- They could part with Jake Westbrook or Paul Byrd.
Colorado -- The Rockies actually like Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez. [They crazy?]
Arizona -- Miguel Batista has pitched well lately but can be a free agent after the season.
Philadelphia -- Jon Lieber, recently off the DL, makes a lot of sense for the Sox. He's a veteran righthander who has had success in the AL. The Bobby Abreu speculation also has been out there for a while, and it appears the Sox could land him if they believe David Wells can return and give them a solid couple of months and they then want another big hitter.
Florida -- You can never dismiss any scenario involving Dontrelle Willis.
The Gonz -- "I would like to be here for a long time," said Gonzalez, "but I don't expect anything until after the year. I'd rather just concentrate on the season." [That makes me sad.]