Boras proved prescient at the winter meetings on the subject of the Sox and Beltre when he said, “I think in infield play that there are certain third basemen that certain clubs want to move or transfer from another position, and that creates opportunities for Adrian.’’
Despite general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona’s insistence that the team would be comfortable entering the season with Casey Kotchman as the first baseman, that won’t come to pass, as Kevin Youkilis will stay at first. The Sox instead went out and added the best third baseman on the market, picking up a player who hit 48 home runs with the Dodgers in 2004. However, he never has hit more than 26 homers in any other season.
The move is in line with the Sox’ stated desire to improve their run prevention. Beltre is an above average fielder, earning a 14.3 ultimate zone rating according to fangraphs.com. Contrast that with Lowell’s minus 10.4 UZR (or just ask a scout), and it’s clear the Sox have dramatically upgraded their defense at the position for 2010 and possibly beyond.
Adding Beltre to the infield, Mike Cameron to the outfield, and John Lackey to the starting rotation were all moves based on Epstein’s dissatisfaction with the team’s defense in 2009. While the offense hasn’t exactly been upgraded, and most likely took a step back with the subtraction of left fielder Jason Bay, Ep stein and the Sox clearly believe the changes to their defense and rotation will negate the inconsistency the Sox offense struggled with in 2009.
After beginning his career with the Dodgers, reaching the majors at 19 years old, Beltre spent the past five seasons with the Mariners. In Seattle, Beltre had a batting average of .266 with a .317 on-base percentage. He hit 103 homers and drove in 396 runs in those seasons, including a 2009 campaign shortened to 111 games by injuries to his shoulder and testicle.
