Peter Gammons is reporting that Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell may have to have surgery on his right thumb, putting the already prolonged trade talks on the table for an indefinite period of time.  

Lowell, a .280 career hitter, hit .290 this past season, putting up strikingly similar numbers to his 2008 season.

If Lowell needs surgery, one AL source said the Rangers will certainly contact Garrett Atkins to be their third baseman. Adding Milton Bradley remains an option, but it appears that teams are waiting it out until the Cubs are virtually ready to dump him.

This does put the Red Sox other offseason plans on hold, making it less likely that Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will be moved before Opening Day 2010. 

The Red Sox are expected to pursue free agent outfielder Matt Holliday, but if Mike Lowell is staying at third, than pursuing a veteran starting pitcher would be a way to fortify that already impressive pitching staff.