Lowell could see managing in his future

MIAMI -- Mike Lowell, five years removed from his playing days, is enjoying time with his family in South Florida and doing his periodic duties with MLB Network.

Although the 41-year-old four-time All-Star third baseman is in no rush to get back into the game, he is open to managing in the big leagues at some point.

"I don't think I'm at that point in my life where I'm ready to put that time in still," Lowell said. "I think my kids still like me and want me around. When they get older, they're probably not going to want me around as much. If it's something that might be available to me, I'm sure I'd like to entertain it."

Lowell, who makes his home in Miami, was at Marlins Park on Wednesday afternoon for the Marlins-Red Sox Interleague series finale.

The 13-year veteran was part of World Series teams with the Marlins (2003) and Red Sox ('07).

Lowell is also part of the Marlins' "Franchise Four." He is joined by Gary Sheffield, also at the park on Wednesday, Giancarlo Stanton and Jeff Conine.

In Spring Training, Lowell was a guest of the Marlins, and he interacted in uniform with the players. He's also a close friend of former Miami manager Mike Redmond, who was dismissed in May.

When the Marlins hired Redmond for the 2013 season, the club initially entertained the possibility of hiring Lowell. And Lowell actually recommended Redmond for the job.

"I was obviously rooting for him and the organization," Lowell said. "Things didn't pan out, for whatever reason."

There is speculation that Miami will be looking for a manager after the season. Dan Jennings, who replaced Redmond in May, may wind up moving back into the front office.

The timing for Lowell to manage the Marlins may not be right for 2016, as the club is expected to lean toward a candidate with MLB managerial experience. Possibilities include Jim Riggleman, Bud Black, Ron Roenicke, Dusty Baker, Charlie Manuel and Dale Sveum.

"I've always enjoyed the grind," Lowell said. "I feel I can relate to the guys on the field, what they go through. What July feels like, what August feels like, as compared to Spring Training, as compared to the postseason. I feel I've been able to do each phase. I like being part of that. I like being in the clubhouse. I don't know, it suits my personality a little more."

Lowell doesn't think he would have trouble relating to younger players.

"I think you've got to understand that our society is a little more of 'look at me' type thing, with social media, selfies," Lowell said. "We're a lot of that. If you take it as that, I think you can accept it, as long as for me, I feel like I'm getting 100 percent out of that player."