The baseball front offices must have been skeptical of Adrian Beltre, and rightly so. His career has been like many others to come down the baseball chain. One of great promise, incredible athletic ability, but an annoying inability to perform consistently. It is quite possible that playing in Safeco field had a great impact on his power numbers while playing in Seattle, and it's also possible that he was likely injured and played through it. But, one cannot bring up Adrian Beltre and think "yikes" when they look at his career track record compared to his contract years. The incredible thing that I always bring up when the subject of "contract year" comes up, is that it is mind boggling that these athletes are so talented that they can just simply turn it up a notch on their performance when a pay raise is in line. We see it time and time again, and you never hear about the guys who play hard every day and produce regardless of their contract.
Beltre is the best defensive third baseman in baseball. Advanced stats will tell you, and your eyes will too. For a guy of his size, he seems to always have his body in the right place at the right time to make the play, and make it look effortless. His defensive metrics have never been in question to anybody. His play at the plate during his contract year with the Dodgers and the Red Sox were awe inspiring MVP-caliber. Last year in Boston, Beltre showed that he's not just a power hitter when he's on.. but he can also hit for a high average and get on base. When he hits the ball, he hits it really hard. One of the most talked about things is when he drops to his knees while hitting a moon shot over the green monster. The way he is able to do things like that and still generate solid contract and leave his bat in the zone for so long is impressive. He isn't your 3-hole hitter, but he is a great 4 or 5 hitting behind a lefty, ala Josh Hamilton. With the kind of skillset that Beltre has, you can't blame a team like Texas locking him down and making room for him on the roster. The deal is a big long for a player at his age, but chances are he will hold his value relatively deep into the contract assuming he stays healthy.
The one thing that bothers me about the deal is the position that Michael Young is currently in. I am of a strong opinion that using him at DH is not using him at peak value. Although he is no longer a plus defender, he is capable and can play many positions. I do not like the idea of using him as a super-utility, because again, this means that an every day player is sitting or DH'ing to make room. There is no doubt that Vlad is getting old and losing bat speed, but I would rather trade Young now to a team that needs a player who can impact their lineup and sign Vlad on the cheap. They would not be losing a draft pick, and what they get in return for Young could set them up to acquire a starter, which they desperately need. I'm not totally sold on Neftali Feliz transitioning into the rotation and being dominant. He has very high expectations (and rightly so), but it was out of the bullpen where hitters aren't going to see you more than once.
I have a hunch that Carl Pavano will be heading to the Yankees again. It makes too much sense, for both parties. I also hope that Joe Girardi opens his eyes and sticks Robinson Cano into the 3-hole, followed by A-Rod and then Teixeira. This is Robinson Cano's team now that Jeter and A-Rod are showing signs of age.
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