Lowrie

PAWTUCKET — About 546 miles from McCoy Stadium yesterday, Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo committed three errors in a loss to the Blue Jays in Toronto. He already has four miscues in 2008.

PawSox shortstop Jed Lowrie has performed very well in the early going here, especially with his defense. The 23-year-old prospect has been smooth in the field and Red Sox director of player development Mike Hazen has been in attendance the last few games to witness Lowrie’s solid fundamental play.

“No doubt he’s made huge strides within the last calendar year defensively,” Hazen said. “We see him as an everyday shortstop.”

An everyday shortstop at the major-league level, that is.

Lugo was hurt for much of spring training with a back injury, which allowed Lowrie to get a ton of playing time. He made the most of it and impressed Red Sox management, even though the offensive statistics weren’t very good. General manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona don’t pay much attention to the spring numbers, and nor should they. They look at the tools and overall package. They want to see a player who can help the Red Sox win.

PawSox manager Ron Johnson believes Lowrie can and will.

The switch-hitting shortstop collected his first hit of the season yesterday during his 1-for-3 performance at the plate in Pawtucket’s 5-4 loss to the Indianapolis Indians. Lowrie barely missed an RBI-double, but his scorching liner was caught by the right fielder.

“He’s having good at-bats and hopefully picking up where he left off from last season,” Hazen said. “He’s been a lot steadier at shortstop and we’re really comfortable with how he’s done. We’re looking forward to seeing him get better.”

Lowrie made his Triple-A debut with the PawSox last July 27 and finished his final 40 games of the season with a .300 average, including 16 doubles, 5 homers and 21 RBI. He’s also very versatile and can play second and third, too. The Red Sox do see his potential as a shortstop.

“I can’t say enough good things about Jed Lowrie,” Johnson said. “He’s going to give you professional at-bats from both sides of the plate. He’s going to solidify the left side of the infield at shortstop. My biggest concern with Jed is that he just go out relaxes and has no type of expectations.”

Lowrie has gained a lot of attention just like all the other prospects in the Red Sox organization. There’s been much anticipation since the Red Sox selected him as a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds of the 2005 draft. He was the 45th overall pick out of Stanford, where he was an All-American second baseman.

Lowrie does a very good job keeping himself grounded and doesn’t allow outside elements distract his development. This past offseason he was rumored to be part of the deal the Red Sox offered the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Johan Santana. Lowrie kept his composure throughout the winter and concentrated on his offseason workouts.

When he realized Santana was traded to Mets, Lowrie conceded he was relieved because he really wants to play for the Red Sox. He might get that chance sooner rather than later.

“We want him to be in a comfort zone,” Johnson said. “I think he’s going to be real exciting this year.”

If Lugo continues to struggles, as he did last season, Lowrie trip to Fenway Park is only 40 minutes away from McCoy Stadium.

“He’s still young and he’s still learning, but we’re very happy where he’s at right now,” Hazen said.

jmcdonal@projo.com