The Boston Red Sox acquired power-hitting Adrian Gonzalez in a trade with the San Diego Padres for three top prospects. As a result of this trade, Kevin Youkilis will move from first base to third base.
This also means that Adrian Beltre will not play for the Red Sox in 2011.
After a major down year in 2009, Beltre had a bounce-back year in Boston hitting .321, 28 HR and 102 RBI. It was only the second time in his career that he has hit 100 RBI or more.
He has always been a solid to great fielder and is only a shade past 30.
There are many playoff contenders that could use Adrian Beltre and here are some of them.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have already made a splash by signing Adam Dunn and are still looking to sign first baseman Paul Konerko. They should also sign Beltre and solidify the hot corner.
St. Louis Cardinals
Last Year the St. Louis Cardinals were beat out by the Cincinnati Reds for the NL Central crown. I don’t know how committed they are on young David Freese but Adrian Beltre might be the difference between playoffs and couch potato time come October.
LA Angles
The Angles are known to make similar signings in the past and Beltre would be a great complement to Morales. Alberto Callaspo was a good patchwork job for the Angles at the hot corner but he is not at the same level as Beltre.
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