July 11, 200323 yr Here is the LINK Groin injury bothering Lowell By MIKE BERARDINO Staff Writer Posted July 11 2003 CHICAGO ? Even if he is invited to the Home Run Derby on All-Star Monday, Mike Lowell probably won't participate. Unlike Barry Bonds and Manny Ramirez, the Marlins third baseman doesn't view such contests as a drag. Rather, Lowell is wary of aggravating a strained left groin that has been bothering him for 2? weeks. "With the state of my groin right now, I'd rather sit that one out," said Lowell, whose 26 home runs are tied for third in the majors. "I think I'd try to do too much." Lowell said he probably would undergo X-rays or an MRI exam after the All-Star break. The condition won't keep him from participating in his second consecutive All-Star Game next week, he said, adding he hopes to avoid the disabled list. Lowell doesn't know how he injured his groin, although he thinks it might have been while making a diving play to his left against Tampa Bay or the New York Mets. The groin really began barking at him during the Atlanta series at the start of July. Lowell scored three runs in the Marlins' 20-1 win July 1 and may have "done something" to his groin while running the bases. Lowell scored from first on a Derrek Lee triple and tagged up from third on Brian Banks' sacrifice fly. Lowell, hitless in his past 21 at-bats, has just three doubles since June 16. In his past 21 games, Lowell is 12 for 71 (.169) with five home runs and 16 RBI. He does have 13 walks in that span, pushing his on-base percentage to .314. Lowell sat out Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs, his second off day of the year. He is expected to return to the lineup tonight in Montreal. "It doesn't hurt me to swing," he said of the injury. "That's why I don't give it any thought with [the way]I've been hitting. "It hurts me to run, though. If I'm playing center field, we're in trouble." Lowell made a diving stab of a line drive to his right Tuesday at Wrigley Field but let a ball to his left bounce under his glove for a single. TRADE PURSUITS The Marlins remain heavily involved in the Armando Benitez talks, but there's a growing belief the New York Mets will hold onto their closer at least through Tuesday's All-Star Game. That's because Benitez is the only representative of the last-place team, and the Mets may be wary of compounding their embarrassment. Plus, the Mets are trying to create a bidding war for Benitez, one that apparently includes the surprising Kansas City Royals and, for reasons that are unclear, the San Diego Padres. "I think this thing is going to drag," said an official from a contending club. "We're all just sitting around waiting for someone to blink." Marlins Double-A first baseman Adrian Gonzalez remains the key to any deal for Benitez, sources said. That, and how much of the closer's contract the Mets are willing to eat. Should the Marlins fail to land Benitez to fortify their bullpen, other options include Texas closer Ugueth Urbina and Milwaukee's Mike DeJean. The Braves, Red Sox and Cubs are among the clubs scouting DeJean, who is a relative bargain at $1.7 million this year with a $2.5 million team option in 2004. Meanwhile, talks have cooled between the Marlins and Baltimore Orioles regarding a prospective Derrek Lee-Jeff Conine deal. Both sides appear content to stick with their current first baseman for now. As for Rangers slugger Juan Gonzalez, the Royals may be close to acquiring him for outfielder Carlos Beltran, sources said. Gonzalez apparently is willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Kansas City, where manager Tony Pena is a significant draw.
July 11, 200323 yr I wouldn't part with Adrian for Armando. Half year rental for a lefty with a sweet swing. Lets go after Dejean or someone who has less draw on them right now. We are in a bidding war with teams that have much more resources then us. Even if we win it will hurt us big time long-term.
July 11, 200323 yr great so i go to my first hr derby ever, and mike wont even be there? oh well ill live
July 11, 200323 yr I knew he couldnt have looked this silly for this long without something being wrong. I hope he comes back after the ASB strong. We need more then just Pudge driving in runs.
July 11, 200323 yr DAMNIT! I wanted Mike in the HR Derby. I really wanted to see him there, considering that Sheffy never even hit one when he went.
July 11, 200323 yr Lol, the way he's swinging Mikey might put up a big zero in the home run derby... I really don't care. I just want to see someone in a Marlin uniform out there. Now I won't get to see that. My favorite competition during the break is the derby, and the first shot we have at getting someone there and he can't/doesnt want to go.
July 11, 200323 yr Lowell should Participate. I dont think any Marlins has gone to the Derby....well we dont want any injuries so he did pick the right thing i guess. Well we cant have him in the DL if he is we are i trouble....
July 11, 200323 yr I dont wanna risk having Mike IN the Derby and than his groin bothering him and than having to spend time on the DL
July 11, 200323 yr Hmmm....if Lowell goes on the DL, who gets called up? Chris Donnels. Boy the Marlins FO must by psychic.
July 11, 200323 yr Author However, Lowell says it doen't bother him when he is batting, but rather when he runs... You don't need to run in a HR Derby. But I agree with you, no need to risk aggravating that injury.
July 11, 200323 yr Lets just hope our lone-star won't get injured damn u dusty! If Lowell says he's injured and can't play, Dusty will most likely choose Pudge to replace him...
July 11, 200323 yr no he wont he has like 2 or 3 catchers. He has 2, and he has already said if someone get's injured he'll take a catcher because the AL has 3. If that player that gets injured happens to be a Marlin, Mike Lowell, he'll pick Pudge. If another teams positional playr is injured and can't participate, he'll choose Benito...
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