My thoughts on the signing of 3B Adrian Beltre…

This is an interesting move by the Boston Red Sox. I would have expected Lowell to be treated better. After all he is a productive player, even at 37, plus he is a fan favorite—something the Boston newspapers have been quick to discuss. Surely his defense is at best average and maybe even is a little bellow the expected standard, but his leadership qualities more than make up for a slow glove.

I can see Theo Epstein’s logic here, however. He wants to build a younger, more defensively-focused team. In essence he is trying to rebuild and contend at the same time, though I wish he would give Casey Kotchman a chance to play and allow Jed Lowrie to progress. Of course anyone who has been following the Sox knows of Epstein’s struggle with ownership’s desire to win at the expense of the future and Epstein’s long-term strategy. Still, the addition of Mike Cameron and Beltre are only temporary (2-3 year contracts) and should result in at least one World Series birth. Meanwhile, the acquisition of John Lackey is the perfect balance between John Henry and Theo Epstein’s strategies and that should be applauded on every level.

So the Sox want to get younger, hit better, and play better defensive baseball. Who can argue with that? If the Sox do decide to get rid of Mike Lowell, I will be disappointed because any player deserves the respect of not having his replacement being signed while he is still part of the team. To that end, I want to suggest a radical idea: Trade Big Papi and use Lowell at DH. Ortiz’s post-steroid numbers will only decline and he has one year left on his contract, just like Lowell. Meanwhile, all indicators are that Lowell’s bat speed and solid approach at the plate are going to remain steady, at least for one last season.

In the end it comes down to losing a popular player in Boston. I simply am suggesting that Theo and Co. make the right move and relieve themselves of some very heavy (and I also mean that literally) baggage by moving Ortiz and maximizing their offensive potential. I still believe the Red Sox will contend and possibly win the World Series this year and it would’ve been great to see that happen with Lowell on the roster. All indications though are that he will be traded…but hopefully to a team the Red Sox won’t have to contend with.

The next week in Red Sox Nation should be an interesting one to say the least…