Marlins Check Out Mike Lowell

  Mike Lowell made his Grapefruit League debut on Monday for the Boston Red Sox and the Marlins were among those with a scout on hand in Fort Myers to see the long-time third-sacker try his mitt at first base for the first time.

   Lowell's name has come up in discussions within the Marlins organization, but it's unclear what their interest level is in the former Fish. And there would be a number of issues -- financial and physical being two of the primary ones -- that would need to be resolved before any serious thoughts of a reunion could be put into action.

   However, the corner infield situation for the Marlins is not etched in stone. The only certainty is that Jorge Cantu will man one of the two spots. At the moment, the Marlins have him at third, with unproven candidates Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison vying for the job at first. But the Marlins would not hesitate to move Cantu back to first base if, say, they thought Rule 5 pick Jorge Jimenez could handle the job at third, or if they felt uncomfortable going into the season with either Sanchez or Morrison at first. Lowell could provide another, intriguing option (at first and/or third) IF he shows that he's healthy and only IF the Red Sox, in any kind of trade arrangement, agree to absorb the $12 million he's due to make in this, the final year of his contract.

    Lowell is coming off offseason thumb surgery and is also dealing with an old hip issue. Despite his immense popularity -- within the Red Sox clubhouse and throughout the Boston community -- the Red Sox have moved on by acquiring Adrian Beltre to play third base. Lowell was nearly traded to the Rangers over the winter before the thumb injury threw a wrench in that deal. The only spot the Red Sox have for Lowell is on their bench. He claims he can still perform every day and would covet a trade that would allow him that opportunity.

   Question: Considering the significant issues, which also include Lowell's advancing age (36) and declining range, should the Marlins make a bid to re-acquire their all-time home run leader and return him to his old stomping ground if he proves he's healthy and can still perform?