Their stinging loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series still casting bitterness over Fenway Park, the Red Sox began their offseason with plans for 2009 forming and the peace of mind that third baseman Mike Lowell should return to full health by the time spring training begins.
Lowell's right hip surgery yesterday morning was "a complete success" and his doctors were "pleasantly surprised" with the condition of Lowell's labrum, according to general manager Theo Epstein.
Doctors removed two bony lesions and some tiny portions of the labrum, and also released an abductor in his hip.
"They'll start his recovery tomorrow," Epstein said. The recovery is expected to be three to four months, but it could be less, Epstein said, meaning Lowell will not be a worry in spring training.
"I think today was a big day for that," Epstein said. "They finally got a look in there. They didn't see anything that they didn't expect. We'll monitor the rehab and the recovery, but we expect Mike to be able to contribute right from the start."
Lowell's health no longer a concern, the most immediate priority might be the catching situation, with 11-year starter Jason Varitek becoming a free agent.
"He's an important part of the organization," Epstein said. "There's no doubt about that. Obviously, he's coming off a year that wasn't his best. But he's important nonetheless.
"He's a free agent, and we'll be talking to him. We have an obligation to explore all of our options. We have to do that. We do that with every position."
The Red Sox must weigh the value of Varitek, who is coming off a dismal offensive season, against the field of available catchers, which is shallow and unimpressive. Varitek hit .220 this season, .088 in the playoffs. But his defensive value still may make him the best option.
"There's not a lot of elite catching out there," Epstein said. "At the same time, that changes the standards from what you're looking for. The state of catching shifts the target a little bit. What's league average? What's above league average?
"If we do our jobs well, we'll be at least league average at every position. It's been well-documented there's not a ton of catching out there. We'll try to figure it out."
