Oct 12, 2007 8:35 AM EST

As the Red Sox were preparing Thursday to take on the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, set for tonight at Fenway Park, Mike Lowell was unabashed in his desire to stay.

Lowell likes it here, and he is choosing to make sure everyone knows it.

Asked about the tantalizing little subplot that began to play out the moment the New York Yankees were eliminated by the Indians in the Division Series - that is, that star-crossed superstar Alex Rodriguez might opt out of his contract in New York and possibly wind up with the Red Sox - Lowell said, ?I love it here and would love to re-sign here. I?m making that clear."

Via Boston Herald