Lowell to Rangers for Max Ramirez

Supposedly the Red Sox will be sending Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers for catching prospect Max Ramirez. My initial thought was "What's with all the Ramirez's?" First they trade Coco Crisp to the Royals for Ramon Ramirez. Then they trade for another guy named Ramon Ramirez. Now Max Ramirez? Are they still trying to make up for loss of Manny Ramirez? The trade of Hanley Ramirez? Probably just a coincidence but you have to admit it is a bit weird.

As far as the trade is concerned - I like it. Getting a top prospect (albeit one whose shine faded last season hopefully due to wrist injuries) is better than taking on someone else's bad contract (see Bradley, Milton). Lowell had become an obstacle in Boston. Even if he recovers even more from his hip injury the Red Sox can improve over what he has to offer both at the plate and in the field. However, Lowell is such a veteran presence that if he stayed in Boston and was healthy - then the Red Sox would almost be forced to play him.