MLB.com's Jim Street talked to Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre about the player's upcoming free agent experience:
"It will be different this year, no doubt. I didn't put up the numbers everyone expected and then I had shoulder surgery. I am 100-percent healthy right now, but there may be some questions about that. That is something I am going to find out. I don't know what to expect. Last year, it was a tough free agency for some players because of the economic climate. I don't know what to expect, but for me, it's not about the money anymore. I have already made a lot of money in the sport. I would like to play in the World Series and win one."
Beltre, 31 in April, hit just .265/.304/.379 in 477 plate appearances this year amid injuries. He still plays stellar defense at the hot corner. To his benefit, Beltre projects as a Type B free agent. Should he turn down an arbitration offer from the Mariners, he won't cost his new team a draft pick. Another Scott Boras client, Joe Crede, signed for a one-year $2.5MM guarantee in February. Will Beltre command more? And where might he land? Aside from the Ms, the Orioles, Marlins, Astros, Angels, Twins, A's, Pirates, and Cardinals face uncertainty at third base in 2010.
