So the Red Sox have signed 3B Adrian Beltre. For a year and an option I think it’s a good move; the guy can really pick it at third base, and as a hitter he’s gonna like the dimensions at Fenway Park a whole lot better than the comparatively-cavernous Safeco Field.

Beltre’s signing gives the Sox, arguably, the best defensive infield in the majors. In addition, his bat should help offset the loss of left fielder Jason Bay, since, batting sixth, he extends the bottom half of the order a little bit. I think it’s a good signing, and believe Beltre will surprise the Fenway faithful with his bat.

Of course, I feel bad for Mike Lowell, but the Sox obviously decided a long time ago he’s not worth keeping around for part-time offense and defensive duties only. From the time he came here in the Beckett deal with the Marlins he was a fave amongst the Sox fandom – we loved how he always gave 100%, had a knack for big hits, and could literally carry the team offensively and defensively for days – if not weeks – on end.

Lowell deserved the MVP he received in the 2007 World Series championship year, but, retrospectively, the Sox front office probably listened to their heart and the fans more than they should have when they signed him up for three additional years. He hasn’t been the sample player since, being hobbled with injuries here and there, and a bad hip injury in 2008 he still has not quite recovered from. Throughout his tenure with the Sox, he was a class act, and he will be missed for that reason alone.

So what do the Sox do with him now? Try as they might they haven’t been able to give him away so right now it’s more like, “how can I miss you if you don’t go away?” Sounds almost like a country song. Sometime between now and the start of spring training I’m sure the Sox will find some suitor willing to take a chance on Lowell as a part-time DH and part-time 3B or even 1B – especially since the Sox are committed to eating a large chunk of his 2010 salary.

Glad to have you aboard, Adrian. Hasta la vista, Mike. Can’t wait until truck day arrives – it’s only 35 days away!

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Pool temp: 48 degrees and holding steady