Lowrie Ready to Focus on Sox

PawSox shortstop Jed Lowrie was in the news quite a bit during the off season...as part of a potential trade that could have brought Johan Santana to the Red Sox. Alas, the trade was not made and Lowrie finds himself on solid ground (at least for now) in the PawSox line-up. Here are some quotes from Jed at yesterday's PawSox Media Day...

On his name being mentioned in the Johan Santana sweepstakes:

"I had a good time with it. It's something you can't control as a player. We have fun out here playing the game, but when it comes down to it, it's a business. It could happen at any time. Tomorrow I could be traded. So you just have a good time with it and take it as it is."

On whether it was a relief that he was not traded:

"Just knowing where I was gonna be brought a little more focus. But at the same time, as a professional it doesn't matter where I am. I'm' glad to stay with the Red Sox and this organization, especially since I know I need to improve my game."

On what he has done to improve during the off season:

"I do a lot of workouts. I go down to Florida to train. I've been doing that for the last three years. I like to take about a month off and don't do anything...because the season is long and when its over your body is ready for some time off."
On his mindset heading into the season:

"For me it's a matter of getting into the grind of the season and getting myself acclimated. You take some time off from the game and it seems like you haven't played for a while."

On whether he sets goals for himself:

"For me, the biggest thing is just staying healthy. That's really the only goal I have because if you set number goals you could exceed them or come up short. So if you stay healthy your approach and abilities dictate what your numbers will be."