| 06 January 2010
But Theo Epstein, Scott Boars and Beltre surprised us all with a 1-year deal that works for everybody.
One of the concerns with signing Beltre was that his contract would put the Red Sox over the luxury tax limit and he would end up costing the Sox even more than his actual salary. But the WEEI’s Alex Speier explains how the Sox finagled their way around that issue:
[Beltre's deal is for 1 year and $9 million deal that includes a $5 million player option in 2011.]
There is also an escalator clause in the contract that could increase the value of the player option based on the number of plate appearances. By virtue of the inclusion of the player option, the Red Sox’ luxury tax hit will be diminished. Rather than being calculated as a $9 million salary for the purposes of the collective bargaining tax in 2010, Beltre’s deal will be interpreted as being worth $7 million against the $170 million threshold for the 2010 season.
This was a genius move by the Sox and you have to give credit to Scott Boras and Adrian Beltre for agreeing to it. But this deal also works well for Beltre. After four disappointing years in Seattle, Beltre’s value was falling and most teams were unwilling to give him the 4-year deal he wanted at the start of the offseason. By signing a short-term with Boston, Beltre will be able to prove hi worth and re-enter the open market in 2011 or 2012.
Of course, if he surpasses expectations in 2010, the Sox could bring him back at a pretty fair rate in 2011… and that’s a good thing. The Red Sox don’t have a major league ready third baseman in the farm system and Beltre would bridge the gap to one of the youngsters come 2012. The short-term deal also keeps things open for the Red Sox down the road. If they are able to sign Adrian Gonzalez, either this year or next, the Sox could slide Youk to third and part ways with Beltre, or keep Beltre and Youk at the corners and make A-Gon the new DH.
The only real loser in this scenario is Mike Lowell, who now seems guaranteed to be cut loose by the Red Sox. The only question is: How will they do it? A trade will be difficult until Lowell proves that his thumb and hip are healthy, but Spring Training could be awkward if Lowell is forced to prove his worth while sharing time with Beltre at third.
The Sox could just release him, but I’m sure they are hoping to trade him and clear a couple mil’ off the books.
Bottom Line: The Sox got a a Gold Glove third baseman for the price they wanted. If Beltre hits 20+ homers and drives in 90+ runs while hitting .265 and playing solid defense… I’ll be happy.
What do you guys think?
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