Talks between the Red Sox and Rangers about a trade involving Mike Lowell have accelerated, according to a baseball source. Lowell may not have a chance to play much in Boston with David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis and Adrian Beltre at first and third base. A trade between Boston and Texas for Lowell broke down this winter when the third baseman failed a physical.

The Red Sox have offered pitcher Josh Beckett a four-year contract, according to sources. The contract is believed to be similar financially to the one John Lackey received from Boston this winter, meaning Beckett would make between $65 million and $70 million. The Red Sox aren't willing to add a fifth year to the offer, but there is optimism that an agreement will be reached.

Mike Lowell played third base for the Red Sox on Monday and the Rangers had a scout in attendance. "Lowell playing third base; Rangers have a scout in the house," Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com wrote on his Twitter page. The Red Sox and Rangers failed to consume a deal involving Lowell over the winter after the third baseman failed a physical.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona will consider using a 6-man rotation when Daisuke Matsuzaka is healthy enough to start. Boston pitching coach John Farrell revealed the possibility on Sunday, but stressed that any discussion is hypothetical until Matsuzaka is ready. "The progression Daisuke is on must continue," Farrell said. "He's got to answer that basic question, is he now ready to step in at the major league level and contribute at the level he has shown us, and what we've been accustomed to seeing? "Where we go from that point, who goes to the bullpen, does it bring back in the thought of a six-man rotation? I know for the fan or a baseball person who looks at the situation, it's why don't you just do that? On paper, [a six-man rotation] seems to be the elixir that will answer everything."

David Ortiz has struggled this spring, but the Red Sox insist they aren't worried about the slugger. "He's fallen into some at-bats where he's been a little late and some balls have beaten him, but that's a very easy thing to correct,? hitting coach Dave Magadan said. "I don't have any issues with David right now." Ortiz started very slow in 2009 and every hot and cold streak is bound to draw headlines in Boston as the team's $12.5 million option for the 2011 season looms. He has gone 1-for-19, 7-for-10 and 2-for-17 this spring. "I'm not going to concern myself with the results," Magadan said. "I just want him in a position going into the season where he feels good about what he's doing at the plate. Right now, I think he's getting there."

Contracts talks involving the Red Sox and pitcher Josh Beckett are ongoing as Opening Day approaches. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Boston won't match the five-year, $82.5 million contract they gave John Lackey as a free-agent this summer. Beckett is younger than Lackey, but the Red Sox have concerns about Beckett's shoulder.

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia says that he wrist felt fine when playing in an exhibition game on Saturday. "I hit the ground a few times and dove and I was fine," he said. "Swinging, I was fine." Pedroia went 1-for-4 at the plate. "That's the only thing I was trying to do today, make sure it felt great and see some pitches," he said.

Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell left Friday's game after fouling a ball off his left knee. X-rays came back negative and Boston released that Lowell has a bruised knee. "He took a pretty good shot," manager Terry Francona said. "It was just below the kneecap and it didn't get just bone. We were going to DH him tomorrow, but I don't think that's realistic. He's going to be pretty sore."

The Red Sox set their starting rotation on Friday. Terry Francona will use a unique five-man rotation to begin the season, with Josh Beckett starting on Opening Day. Jon Lester, John Lackey and Tim Wakefield will follow Beckett, who will start against the Royals on April 9th on five day's rest. Boston will stick Clay Buchholz in the rotation in the season's first few weeks as well, giving their leading starters some additional rest. Daisuke Matsuzaka is dealing with neck and back issues.

The Red Sox will be without right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka for at least the first few weeks of the season. He made his spring training debut on Thursday, throwing two innings. He has been delayed by neck and back issues. "He spun a couple breaking balls, threw a couple cutters, couple changeups, but again, it's hard because everyone else has gotten to a certain point and Dice is back at the other point," manager Terry Francona said. "You just have to remember that."