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Boston.– Dominican Adrian Beltre will be the cornerstone of Boston's efforts to emphasize defense in 2010. But he two-time Gold Glove winner is also a threat at the plate –he had 48 homers and 121 RBIs in 2004– and should benefit from the move from spacious Safeco Field to hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

"I think we've built a great stage here," his agent, Scott Boras, said at a news conference on Friday. "There's a chance for this rocket to take off."

Beltre signed a one-year deal for US$9 million with a US$1 million buyout for 2011 if he declines a US$5 million option. The option would escalate to US$10 million if Beltre has 640 plate appearances this season.

The deal was structured to keep the average annual value low and help the Red Sox avoid the luxury tax. Epstein said Beltre's signing also was made possible by this week's trade of Casey Kotchman to Seattle for Bill Hall, a prospect and cash.

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COMMENTS
4 comment(s)
Written by: josearias, 10 Jan 2010 9:55 AM
From: United States
it will be a beutiful summer, yannkee and boston the rest of the teans have a nice season.....they are allready playing for 3rd plase.
Written by: DoggPound, 10 Jan 2010 10:30 AM
From: United States
Another one on his way to owning a Hummer and a 9mm.
Written by: xwill7, 11 Jan 2010 11:27 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Beltran will be like Soriano... Injuries and will never be that player that hit all of those homeruns... Another $10 million that will be blown in DR
Written by: HateitorLOVEIT, 12 Jan 2010 12:25 PM
From: United States, Washington, DC
I don't know about the hummer and 9iner but he does have a nice beach front home in las terrenas.....even though he personally never uses it. He better have a good year and remain healthy. He could of made 65 million with the Mariners and 13 guaranteed... per year .... instead of 10 with the soxs and 9 guaranteed.
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