Los Angeles Angels look strong in Adrian Beltre race
The 2010 Major League Baseball season ended when the San Francisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers in the World Series. However, as soon as the winter break started, the race to sign on the best flock of players from the free agency began. The true victor
of the coming year always need to restructure their roster in the off season period and one of the clubs that has made the initiative to change its fate in 2011 is none other than the Boston Red Sox.
The team from the American League East region has done a lot in the break period and while they’re headlining acquisitions that have the potential to win matches, other clubs are looking to even the competition. The former Red Sox third baseman, Adrian Beltre,
is regarded as a top free agent in the current market. After Cliff Lee moved away to the Philadelphia Phillies, Beltre is a hot commodity in the trading cycle.
Some clubs have made the move for the player but none have gained an advantage in their pursuit. The Oakland Athletics were rumoured to have made the initial bid but due to financial woes, found themselves out of the race. This, of course, was an alleged
rumour. Some of the big teams are looking to add the player to their ranks but most are looking onto the coming year for the regular league.
The Texas Rangers have been speculated to jump in but they already have a third baseman in the roster and it’s no surprise that Beltre’s role could be limited. Scott Boras, Beltre’s agent, is looking for a 5-year contract worth $85 million for the player.
The only ones that seem to be close are the Los Angeles Angels who have reportedly offered a 5-year deal worth $70 million. Hence it’s logical to think the Angels are leading the race for Beltre.
"Well, when you have a player of his caliber out there, you have to have an interest if it's realistic within what your budget is, how he would fit into your ballclub and how you would hit him in the lineup, and stuff of that nature," Rangers president Nolan
Ryan said to the media.
"So, obviously, with our ballclub, it wouldn't be nearly as clear cut as somebody else, say whether it be the Angels, and the rumour is that Oakland has made him an offer. I would say if you looked at the free-agent market right now, he's probably the premier
free agent that's still unsigned."
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