Monday July 14, 2008
Startribune.com in Minneapolis, Minnesota is reporting a “club source” has contacted Seattle about third baseman Adrian Beltre. This not news, considering it was all over the Internet last week. Apparently though the Twins are acting on their “internal discussions” by contacting Seattle.
Although Beltre is just what the Twins need, I just don’t buy this deal for a second. The Twinkies have a history of being “sellers” but remaining competitive by being smart with their player decisions much like Billy Beane in Oakland. With Beltre due to make $12 million this season and again in ’09, I just can’t see the Twins taking on that contract.
On the Mariners side, Beltre may possibly be the teams best player at the moment. He is looked upon by many as very underrated because of the high expectations due to his lofty price tag when he signed with Seattle as a free agent. He plays a gold glove caliber third, and puts up decent numbers for receiving little protection in the lineup. Also, the M’s have little in the way of prospects coming through the system ready to play third for the big club. I think unless someone knocks the M’s socks off with a deal, Beltre will be a Mariner in ’09.
