HOUSTON -- Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow took only a week to make his first trade at the helm when he dealt reliever Mark Melancon to the Red Sox in exchange for shortstop Jed Lowrie and up-and-coming right-handed pitcher Kyle Weiland last December.
Although Melancon had a productive 2011 season by posting 20 saves in 25 opportunities for the Astros, Luhnow wanted to obtain a potential starter at shortstop and additional pitching depth.
Luhnow views Lowrie as an everyday player.
With Lowrie being eligible for arbitration for the first time and not having a defining role with Boston, Luhnow capitalized on the situation by getting a player he believes will contribute as a starter.
Despite walking into an ideal situation, Lowrie must prove to the Astros that he's the answer to filling the team's need at shortstop.
"He's been a productive player in his career, both offensively and defensively," Luhnow said. "The biggest issue with Jed is the amount of time he has spent on the field. There is nothing about his skill set that would suggest he couldn't be a starter, if he's healthy. That is one of the reasons why we traded for him.
"Our expectation is that this year, he'll be an everyday player. He's capable of playing third, second and short. He's a switch hitter. The Astros are looking for someone to stabilize up the middle.
"Hopefully, he'll be the answer to that."
Lowrie, 27, hit .252 with six homers, 36 RBI, 14 doubles and four triples over 309 at-bats in 88 games for the Red Sox last season.
He recently avoided arbitration with the Astros by agreeing on a one-year, $1.15 contract after both sides exchanged figures last month.
The Stanford University product told Examiner.com that he's excited to be with the Astros and ready to prove himself as a starter.
"It's a real great opportunity," Lowrie said. "It's an organization under a new ownership group and GM. They're trying to steer the club in the right direction. I'm excited to be a part of it. It's my chance to show I'm the answer to what the Astros want at shortstop."
Lowrie looks forward to reuniting with Astros manager Brad Mills, who served as Boston's bench coach for six seasons (2004-09).
"There is no question I'm happy being back with Brad Mills," Lowrie said. "I love his personality and work ethic. I've always had a lot of respect for him. I'm really excited to play for him again."
As Lowrie prepares to enter Spring Training this month, he's aiming to stay healthy over 2012 and letting his skills, strong work ethic and the way he approaches the game take care of business.
"I've always said it's a matter of staying healthy and letting my skills and overall approach take care of the numbers," Lowrie said. "In my eyes, there isn't a reason to put a goal on actual numbers. I definitely want to hit .300. That goes without being said. If I hit .300, I don't want to be satisfied with that. If I have a chance to hit better than that, then why not? For me, it's all about staying healthy and utilizing my strong work ethic and drive."
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