Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
RSS
Even Adrian Beltre thought Red Sox made a ‘good decision’ last offseason 10.04.11 at 5:33 pm ET
By Alex Speier

Adrian Beltre had the sixth three-homer game in postseason history on Tuesday. (AP)

The temptation is natural, even unavoidable.

While watching Adrian Beltre club one, two, three homers into the bleachers in Tropicana Field to lead the Rangers past the Rays in the AL Division Series (in the process becoming just the seventh player ever with three homers in a single postseason game), it seemed almost impossible not to wonder about the Red Sox’ decision to let him go last offseason.

Beltre, after all, delivered an excellent first season in Texas following the five-year, $90 million deal he signed last offseason. Though he was limited to just 124 games by hamstring injuries, he was highly productive while on the field, hitting .296 with a .331 OBP, .561 slugging mark, .892 OPS, 32 homers and 105 RBI.

His production did not come as a shock to the Sox, who saw him resurrect his career at age 31 in 2010, when he hit .321 with a .365 OBP, .553 slugging mark, .919 OPS, 28 homers, an AL-leading 49 doubles and 102 RBI in 154 games.

But while the Sox would have loved to have Beltre back in theory, the team instead set in motion the certainty of his departure when it traded for Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres. That deal, in turn, pushed Kevin Youkilis (coming off a three-year run in which he ranked second in the AL in OBP and slugging and third in OPS) from first to third, and meant that Beltre would be heading elsewhere.

For his part, Beltre liked playing in Boston, but he wasn’t entirely certain that he wanted to make his long-term home in Fenway Park. He was certainly open to the idea, but there were other factors that he had to weigh against a deal with the Sox.

“I knew I would have a chance, but I was clear that I didn’t want to commit to it [at the start of the offseason]. Living on the West Coast in LA, my family was going to be a tough decision to move to the East Coast,” Beltre recalled at the All-Star break. “But at the same time I knew that the Boston Red Sox were going to put a good team together to win, and that was my priority – to win. I kind of narrowed down the teams that I wanted to play with, that had interest in me, and Boston was one of them.

“But I didn’t have a chance to say, ‘OK, I do want to go to Boston. The deal is in place – let’s go do it.’ I didn’t have a chance to do it.”

That is because the Sox made the deal for Gonzalez at a time when Beltre represented a contingency.

The Sox liked Beltre, of course, but given his relentless style of play, they also felt uncertain that he would be able to remain healthy enough over the life of a five-year deal. In particular, they had concern about whether his hamstrings (which plagued him at times over the second half of last year) would hold up — a concern that seemingly gained some validation with his DL stints this year.

Meanwhile, as tremendous a player as Beltre had been for the Sox, the team saw in Gonzalez a player who a) would come at a fraction of the salary for the 2011 season and b) was younger, with more of his prime seasons ahead. As for Youkilis, he seemingly represented the better offensive option given his track record, and while he — like Beltre — inspired similar concerns about whether his hard-nosed play would allow him to stay healthy, he was under contract for just two more guaranteed seasons with a team option for a third year, and all at a comparably bargain rate of $12 million in both 2011 and 2012, with a $13 million option for 2013.

The deal occurred in the first days of December, at a time when Beltre was at a celebrity golf tournament being hosted by Red Sox teammate (and then, suddenly, ex-teammate) David Ortiz. It was an uncomfortable moment for Beltre, but beyond the emotion of parting ways with a team for whom he enjoyed playing, he — and, for that matter, virtually everyone else in the baseball industry — endorsed the wisdom of the Sox’ deal.

“I had an idea that [a deal for Gonzalez] was going on,” Beltre recounted at the break. “We were talking [with the Sox] in a conversation about a contract, but they communicated to my agent that they were working [on] something with Adrian [Gonzalez]. I guess they were seeing what would work out better.

“I was a little disappointed at the time. At the time that it happened, I was hanging out with my teammates – my ex-teammates. It was a little awkward,” said Beltre. “But it turned out for the best for them and for me, because I ended up in a place where I’m happy and wanted to be. But you know what? They made a good decision.”

At the season’s mid-point, Beltre was happy with his own decision as well. The Rangers, the reigning AL champs, had confirmed the third baseman’s expectations that they would be in the playoff hunt.

“This has been great,” Beltre said of his time with the Rangers. “It’s been everything I imagined and more, but it’s going to be even better if we do what we need to do, which is win the World Series.”

Now, Beltre has helped Texas take a, well, Texas-sized step towards that goal with his entry into the history books on Tuesday. As for the Sox?

For the second straight year, they were unable to ride a monster season by an Adrian into the postseason. Adrian Gonzalez hit .338 with a .410 OBP, .548 slugging mark, .957 OPS, 27 homers and 117 RBI in 159 games. From afar, the player whose exit from Boston was set in motion by Gonzalez’ arrival was rooting for his corner infield colleague.

“Adrian is a great guy,” said Beltre. “Sometimes when I’m watching him, I want him to get a hit, because I know what kind of guy he is – as long as he’s not playing against us. He’s a guy that comes out and plays everyday. It’s hard not to root for him.”

No doubt there were several Sox players and fans who felt similarly excited to watch Beltre’s landmark game on Tuesday, and to see a respected veteran advance to a League Championship Series for the first time in his 14-year big league career.

Read More: Adrian Beltre, adrian gonzalez, texas rangers, Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://www.givejonadollar.com givejonadollar

    This is definitely a tale of two very fine ball players. I do believe the Red Sox made the right choice going after Gonzo and sticking Youk at 3rd however.

  • Craig in CT

    I had no problem with the moves that led to Gonzo here and Beltre in Texas and I still don’t. I also think you can’t judge this one for a couple more seasons. Good for Beltre. Hopefully he can help take down the Yankees if they make it past the ALDS.

  • kram93921

    Gonzalez did NOT have a monster season. He was practically invisible the last 5 weeks of the season and hit for no power. I also don’t remember a single occassion in September when he came up with a big hit in the 8th or 9th innings.

  • Jake

    In hindsight, I wish they had traded Youk and kept Beltre. It is beginning to sound as though Youk is part of the problem.

  • tito

    Speir. Are you smoking the same stuff Butt buddy Bradford is? Gonzalez was as soft as a grape the end of the year. He was playing like a deer in headlights. Totally useless. No clutch hitting ability and no leadership abilities. Another waste of dough.

  • http://www.blaircarriere.com/forum/member.php?6027-daano9 Monika Cummiskey

    Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for rookie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  • http://www.blinklist.com/users/lawrencewats512 Lift Top Coffee Table

    I’ve read some excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you put to create this sort of fantastic informative web site.

  • http://www.qdflkqsfjmdflj.com Indira Levitch

    Hey! You some form of knowledgeable? Great message. Can you tell me tips on how to subscribe your weblog?

  • http://www.huntinggames.org.uk/ duck hunt games

    Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include almost all important infos. I’d like to see extra posts like this .

  • http://agroshowbednary.pl wii allegro

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  • http://multiserviceinc.com LilliamSebert

    Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  • http://understandingseobook.in/contact-us/ understanding SEO book

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful info to work on. You have done a formidable task and our entire neighborhood will likely be grateful to you.

  • http://www.make-money-easy.org make money easy

    I do agree with all the concepts you have offered for your post. They are really convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please prolong them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.

  • http://disableddatingsites.tumblr.com/ disabled dating

    It had been a while since I visited web site with such high quality information. Thansk lots for the useful info

  • http://tfsnetworks.com pc consultant

    Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, great written and include almost all important infos. I’d like to peer more posts like this .

  • http://pacquiaoversusmarquez3live.blogspot.com pacquiao vs marquez

    An attention-grabbing discussion is price comment. I feel that it is best to write extra on this matter, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  • http://www.restaurant-allegro.ro/nunta.html Meniu Nunta

    Hello there, I found your web site via Google at the same time as looking for a similar matter, your site came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  • http://littlepremies.com/caring-for-your-preemie/ Preemie Health

    We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with useful info to paintings on. You’ve performed an impressive task and our entire neighborhood will likely be grateful to you.

  • http://www.intnltimesharenetwork.com/ sell timeshare

    hello there and thanks in your info ? I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did then again expertise some technical points using this site, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of occasions prior to I may get it to load properly. I have been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, however slow loading instances instances will very frequently have an effect on your placement in google and could injury your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m including this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you replace this once more very soon..

  • http://buykindlefireprice.blogspot.com/search/label/Kindle%20Fire?max-results=20 buy kindle fire, kindle fire, kindle, amazon kindle fire, kindle fire apps, black firday

    It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this publish and if I may I want to suggest you few attention-grabbing things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles regarding this article. I desire to read more things approximately it!

  • http://seotopnews.com SEO Tools

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am inspired! Very helpful info particularly the final part :) I care for such info a lot. I used to be seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  • http://www.bestelectroniccigarettereviews.net/prosmoke-review/ prosmoke reviews

    I have read some just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you place to make such a wonderful informative site.

  • http://lethalcommissionsmovie.com ranks well in yahoo pr juice

    It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  • http://www.sportstvlivestreaming.com/pacquiao-vs-marquez-live-streaming/ pacquiao vs marquez live streaming

    WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. …

  • http://tips4pokerplayer.com online gambling

    I relish, lead to I found exactly what I used to be looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  • http://www.hotspringsvillagear.net Hot Springs Village New Homes For Sale

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to understand so much about this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I think that you could do with some % to power the message home a little bit, however other than that, that is excellent blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

  • http://www.buyticketscenter.com/bcs-national-championship-tickets/ bcs national championship tickets

    I relish, cause I found just what I used to be having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  • http://www.esalemax.com Cheap/Discounts Jordan shoes,Nike air max,Moncler Jackets,UGG Boots,LV,Coach handbags,Armani,Gucci,ED Hardy,POLO clothing,Jerseys,Belts,sunglasses,caps

    Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specifically the last part I care for such info much. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. I will keep the attention of your blog. Thank you and good luck.

  • http://www.kraussinks.org/tag/kitchen/ kraus sinks
  • http://www.blurty.com/talkpost.bml?journal=gurney690&itemid=10024 Rachel

    I am impressed by the quality of information on this website. There are a lot of good resources here. I am sure I will visit this place again soon.

  • http://kredit-24.blogspot.com/2010/10/die-kfw-forderbank.html Jaleesa

    you’ve gotten an awesome weblog right here! would you wish to make some invite posts on my weblog?

  • http://www.marriage-counselling.org/marriage/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=823182 Darius Kurth

    Gaga has (blank) in recent times shown up at Europride, organised in Rome throughout June 2011

  • http://blackhatrealm.com blackhat seo forum

    There is noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made certain good factors in options also.

  • Jb7241986

    Keep smoking crack man no one can cover gronk

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify