The market for third baseman Adrian Beltre, 31 in April, remains difficult to decipher. You might expect a third baseman coming off an injury-shortened .265/.304/.379 line to take a make-good, one-year deal, even considering exceptional defense. For example, Joe Crede signed a one-year, $2.5MM deal in late February. Since both players are Scott Boras clients, why is Boras seeking a four-year deal worth at least $40MM for Beltre? (Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reporting).
One reason is that Beltre proved very durable prior to 2009, whereas Crede was not. Also consider that Beltre has a better offensive track record and played in a tough park for hitters. At the risk of doing Boras' bidding, it's interesting to note that Beltre hit .286/.330/.486 away from Safeco over the last three seasons. Considering that Beltre might be the game's best defensive third baseman, Boras' asking price doesn't seem so crazy.
As far as the current market, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says the Giants have remainined in contact. However, they are not finding common ground with Boras on the years or dollars. The Red Sox are known to like Beltre, but as WEEI's Alex Speier noted yesterday, signing him could push them over the luxury tax threshold. The Orioles, Twins, Angels, and Cardinals haven't generated much Beltre buzz, though the Mariners appear to be leaving the door open to re-sign him.
