Boston Red Sox fans were probably unhappy to hear that their powerful backup shortstop has been traded.

They may be upset, but the trade, which included right-handed pitcher Kyle Weiland, brought right-handed reliever Mark Melancon to Boston for much-needed pitching.

Houston Astros fans should be excited about the trade. Lowrie brings powerful hitting and a strong arm to the Astros.

When Mike Lowell was placed on the DL in Boston in 2008, Lowrie was called up from Triple-A. Lowrie received the call on April 10th, 2008. On April 15th, he hit 3 RBI against the Cleveland Indians.

Julio Lugo was placed on the DL later in the season. Lowrie was called up again on Aug. 1st, 2008. In his second call-up, he hit a game-winning single in the 12th inning against the Oakland Athletics, winning 2-1.

His first MLB walk-off home run was on Aug. 24th, 2008, winning 6-5. He had another game-winning hit on Oct. 6th against the Angels.

He ended the 2008 season with no errors in 49 regular season games.

Jed Lowrie had a phenomenal showing for his call-up to the major leagues. Unfortunately, circumstances slowed him down, but only temporarily.

Early in the 2009 season, he was put on the 15-day DL for a sprain to his left wrist. He attempted to rehab in the minor leagues and was reactivated by Boston.

On Aug. 8th, he was placed on the DL again for ulnar neuritis in his wrist. In his first game back, he hit a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Adding to his resume, on Oct. 4th, 2009, he hit his first career grand slam against the Cleveland Indians.

Lowrie had some difficulty at the start of the 2010 season. He developed mononucleosis, which kept him out for much of the first half of the season.

He made his season debut on July 21st against the Oakland Athletics after his recovery. Showing that he can’t be held back permanently, he hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Lowrie had a stellar beginning in the 2011 season, with a batting average of .516 in his first 31 at-bats.

On April 18th, he hit a home run and 4 RBI going 4-for-5 at the plate. He started a triple play against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 16th.

Boston enjoyed great success at the hands and the bat of Jed Lowrie. His career batting average is .252 with 19 home runs and 117 RBI.

Boston decided to trade him with Kyle Weiland in a deal for Mark Melancon on Dec. 14th, 2011. Red Sox fans will feel some pain to see him go, but they will have success with Melancon.

Houston Astros fans will have the privilege of being recipients of a highly-skilled hitter, shortstop and occasional first baseman.

He will bring speed and power to a lineup that desperately needs a kick-start. Lowrie will show that he is the go-to guy when they need a clutch hitter or a clutch play.

The Astros will reap the benefits and enjoy the rewards of this trade.

Good move, Houston.

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