The major difference between Mike Lowell and Alex Rodriguez is quite simple: Mike Lowell had cancer, and A-Rod is a cancer.

In 2000 Alex Rodriguez was essentially the face of baseball. He signed the largest contract to date in American sports, one that would pay him $252 million over 10 years. We all know this, but what is also surfacing especially lately is his cancerous behavior that brings teams down. It is common knowledge that both Seattle and Texas improved when A-Rod left, earning him the nickname The Cooler. Many players have attributed the success post A-Rod, to the fact that he thought he was better then everyone else. He treated teammates like they were little leaguers, and always made it sound like he was more committed and worked harder than everyonewhich is a big thing to say in an era where there really is no offseason, since everyone is working hard year round.

Rodriguez has also been very contradictory in the media. Saying that he went to Texas because of the young talent they had stockpiled in their system, and then just a few years later requested a trade noting that If they had said Alex, its going to be you and 24 kids, I never would have come to Texas. Hes burned bridges everywhere hes been, and that didnt stop when he got to the Bronx. He was also the center of what can only be compared to a high school romance gone wrong, when he informed the media he wouldnt speak to team captain Derek Jeter. It takes a lot of testicular fortitude to come into a new city and publicly attack the centerpiece of a sports dynasty. I guess thats just another reason I cant stand Alex Rodriguez, and now that A-Rod will likely opt out of his contract at the end of the season, the Red Sox, have shown lots of interest in signing him.

Mike Lowell came to Boston, as baggage. He wasnt really wanted, he just sort of came with Josh Beckett. But Lowell has made a home here in Beantown. His teammates respect him, and have nothing but compliments for how hard he works on and off the field. Hes made some terrific plays at third, and done his part at the plate. Last season Lowell notched a career high 47 doubles, making use of the Green Monster every chance he got. This year Lowell was an All-Star, currently leads the team in home runs (15), and has really stabilized the middle of the order with the lackluster starts by Manny and the ailing Ortiz. But the best part about this guy is he WANTS to be here! And his teammates want him to stay. Would I like to see him back? Hell yeah. Its hard to replace that well-rounded of a player said captain Jason Varitek. I understand why the Red Sox refuse to negotiate a new deal with Lowell midseason. They wouldnt do it for Varitek or Schilling, and now its precedent. But I plead with top management not to let this guy slip away.

Sure I will be the first to admit that A-Rod, if he opts out, will be the best player available. Hes crushing the ball this season with 34 dingers and 100 RBIs to date. Hes got 498 career HRs to Lowells 178. By the numbers the Red Sox would be crazy to sign an older Mike Lowell over A-Rod. But sadly life isnt always about the numbers. Mike Lowell has a championship, and A-Rod doesnt (who knows if he ever will). And personally I would much rather have a character guy like Mike Lowell in the clubhouse then a gutless, un-clutch Alex Rodriguez.

Chris King is a graduate of Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, and an avid New England sports fan.

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