One of the more eye-opening tidbits from the Adrian Beltre saga is the news that the third baseman actually turned down longer-term deals to sign the one-year contract with Boston.  The other deals did not offer the desired annual salary, so rather than accept the safety of a comfortable multi-year deal, Beltre opted to sign a 1 year deal and roll the dice in free-agency in 2011.

There is a player option worth $5 million (which could increase to $10 million if certain incentives are reached), but Beltre would obviously would prefer to earn a long-term deal next offseason.  The only way that will happen is if he has a good year in 2010.  Beltre will have his eye on the prize this season, and the Sox hope to reap the benefits.

Here’s a look at where Beltre hit his doubles and home runs in the cavernous Safeco Field last season:

Even during an uncharacteristically poor season at the plate, the right-handed Beltre enjoys hitting the ball hard to left field, a trait that should come in handy at Fenway Park.

And then, there’s the defense.  I’m sure you’ve heard by now, but Beltre is one of the top 3 or so third baseman in the game, defensively.  He won two straight Gold Gloves in 2007 and 2008 and should have won it in 2009.  It will be good to have a 3B with range, since our new shortstop is a bit of a question mark.

After thinking about this quite a bit, I like the deal.  The downside is limited; Beltre might be a poor offensive player, but he’ll still be good in the field and the Sox are only on the hook for one season (two, if Beltre accepts a relatively paltry $5 million in 2011).  The Sox would then have the option of pursuing a first baseman in a mid-season deal.

Coming up: a quick look at the Kotchman trade.

No Responses to “Beltre Will Be Motivated in 2010”

1. Jeff says:

   1/9/2010 at 5:58 pm

   Hey Jimmy,

   Good piece. Think the option becomes guaranteed if Beltre gets 640 ABs in ’10. The Sox will surely take that.

   I’d like to talk to you about joining the Yardbarker Blogger Network. Really like what you’re doing here. If you’re interested in hearing more, hit me up at jeff@yardbarker.com

   Sorry to do this in the comments, but I couldn’t find a contact form.

   Jeff