Beltre, Lowe, and the Old English D

Ken Rosenthal of The Sporting News talked about agent Scott Boras' clients today. Out of them are three names the Tigers are rumored to be after. They are Adrian Beltre, J.D. Drew, and Derek Lowe. Rosenthal expects the Tigers to sign Beltre and Lowe. He expects the Cubs to sign Drew.

Beltre would be a huge upgrade at third base. It would give the Tigers the option of putting Brandon Inge in the outfield, adding more arm and bat power.

Lowe would add another *potential* quality starter to the rotation. Keep in mind Lowe had a 5.42 ERA last season before pitching fabulously in the playoffs and World Series. I have mixed feelings towards Lowe. The more pitcher-friendly ballpark could serve him well. He's also a year older, and could be on the down-swing.

J.D. Drew is another that the Tigers remain in contention for. I had not heard of the Cubs being after Drew until today. If the Tigers are able to sign him, he'll play center field, and would bump Inge (pending a bump from third base) into left or right field, with Bobby Higginson and (maybe) Craig Monroe fighting for, or sharing, the final outfield spot.

Signing a Boras Boy is never a quick process. He has a lot of clients to handle, and is a thorough negotiator. If the Tigers don't have someone signed until the end of the week or later, don't be surprised.

The one I would focus on is Adrian Beltre. He gives the Tigers that big bat they're looking for, and a solid third baseman. I would give him a seven year deal worth $105 million.

Who would you sign if you could only have one? Why? How much would you offer him?

FOXSports.com - MLB - Boras' boys biding time

-Dan Joseph