The Red Sox add a "Belt-re" to their outfit, hang Lowell out to dry

I know, I know... weak title. Best I could come up with without my coffee today. But enough about me...

Adrian Beltre has signed a 1 year deal with the Sox (with a $5 million player option for next year; $1 million buyout) to play third base, signaling the end of Mike Lowell's tenure with the club. What does this mean for fantasy owners? Buy low on Beltre and expect a rebound from a poor, injury plagued season.

Beltre has spent his career playing half of his games in pitcher friendly parks in LA and Seattle, but now gets to put his pull-happy approach to good use. The Green Monster will make an appealing target for Beltre and should help him improve on his .265 average from last year. Don't forget: this guy has averaged 25 homers and about 90 RBI's throughout his career to go along with a .270 average. With a friendlier ballpark and a much improved lineup around him, I expect the still in his prime 30 year old (he'll be 31 in April) to improve on those averages and provide a solid return on your investment.

As for Lowell? Considering his injury history I wouldn't use more than a late round flier on him to back up your CI slots and hope that he recovers well from his thumb surgery. That is, of course, assuming he is traded to another team (hopefully an AL club with a DH opening) who will actually give him some playing time. With the addition of Beltre, a trade is no longer a matter of "if" but "when and where". There are some reports that the Mets could be interested in him as a first baseman. If that is the case, avoid him at all costs on draft day. Even if he's healthy, his dwindling power would further shrink in spacious Citi Field.