1997 v. 2003: Third Baseman

We have already taken a look at the catcher, first base, and second base positions. Here is a look at how the current team that you guys have voted on looks like:

• Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez
• First Base: Derrick Lee
• Second Base: Luis Castillo
• Short Stop:
• Third Base:
• Left Field:
• Center Field:
• Right Field:

We will start today with our fourth segment of the Florida Marlins 1997 v. 2003 World Series segment. The two third baseman we are comparing today are Bobby Bonilla and Mike Lowell. First, we will take a look at how the Marlins acquired the two third baseman.

On November 22nd, Bobby Bonilla, also know as Bobby Bo, signed $23.3 million, four-year contract with the Marlins before the 1997 season. Bonilla was a key part of the Marlins championship run in 1997. Bobby Bonilla at 47 years of age, is still under contract with the New York Mets.

Mike Lowell attended college at Florida International University, where his number 15 jersey was retired. Lowell was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1995 and made his MLB debut with them in 1998. Lowell was traded to the Marlins on February 1st, 1999 for three young pitchers: Todd Noel, Ed Yarnall, and Mark Johnson. Lowell was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery on February 21 returning to the lineup on May 29. Lowell was having a great season in 2003 before he broke his hand. Lowell did however return for the postseason.

We will now took a quick look at a comparison of the two players right now statistically:

While both third baseman enjoyed plenty of success in their respective seasons, Lowell holds the edge as the overall better player. Lowell hit his career high of 32 homers and posted his highest slugging percentage , even though he missed close to a month due to his hand injury.

Mike Lowell is also likely to hold an advantage in that he is a more well known Marlin. Lowell spent 7 seasons all together as a Marlin, while Bonilla was only a Marlin for a single season.

We had a great turnout for the second baseman voting, please continue to do the same for the third baseman!