The time has come: Mike Lowell and Mike Timlin both officially filed for free agency today, rounding out a group of 8 Sox players total who filed for free agency. Reports are that Lowell's agents arrived in Orlando today, and met with Theo Epstein- it's unclear if he filed for free agency before or after any of those meetings. The Sox have exclusive negotiation rights with Lowell until Nov. 12th. Earlier today, Theo had again expressed his focus on re-signing Lowell:

"With respect to third basemen, signing Mike is our clear priority," Epstein said. "We're going to work hard at that and really hope to get something done. I hope this doesn't come to pass, but if he eventually signs somewhere else, then we'll explore other options, but really, right now, we're focused on trying to sign Mike."

Previously, Theo discussed his philosophy on disclosing details of his negotiation process in general- and Mike Lowell in particular:

"I don't usually like to talk about contract negotiations in any type of detail unless the player wants to or does so first. In this case, I think we have a better chance of getting a deal done in relative secrecy or confidentiality. I just answer it in general terms and say we're working at it and making progress."

Theo also noted that he had not spoken with A-Rod's agent, Scott Boras-- and that the bandied-about notion of signing Lowell to play third and then signing A-Rod to play shortstop is not up for consideration: "We have a shortstop," Epstein said.

The Boston Herald also reported that the Sox held their "initial discussions" with Mike Timlin on Monday. Mike will be 42 at the start of next season, so in addition to the possibility of sailing the free agent waters, the Admiral could be sailing on off into the sunset of retirement.

WE MUST RE-SIGN THE MIKES.

While everyone is focusing on Lowell, no one can seem to find Julian Tavarez. The Sox picked up the option on his contract last week- but apparently Theo doesn't know Julian's thoughts on the matter, because they haven't been able to make contact with him. Any guesses on what he's doing?

Theo told the Globe's Nick Cafardo that they're not really looking to pick up any more pitchers on the free agent market in the wake of re-signing Curt Schilling.

"We're probably out of the free-agent market unless there's a real value there, as far as the trade market is concerned if we have a chance to add a real good young, controllable pitcher, sure but we're pretty happy with our depth right now. What we needed was quality to protect the remainder of the rotation."

Maybe they'll change their tune on that if Julian Tavarez doesn't ever bother to surface.

And both Bobby Kielty and Doug Mirabelli were specifically mentioned by Theo as possibles for returning to the Sox roster. Although the Herald noted that Rangers catcher Gerald Laird interests the Sox as well. Kielty needs to be re-inked immediately- and ol' Dougie Fresh will likely be re-signed as well (in my totally speculative and not-at-all-expert opinion).