Defensively speaking Beltre has the the third highest fielding percetnage of any 3rd baseman in the majors. That is definately an improvement over Spezio (33rd in the majors). Cabrera and Bloomquist rated 44th and 50th for 3rd basemen.

Sure he hit 48 homeruns but he also hit 32 doubles and had 200 total hits. His 334 BA puts him in the top 10 in that catagory. 121 RBI's puts him 8th and he only struck out 81 times. If Beltre continues to improve he is a legitimate Triple Crown threat. This guy is more than a one dimensional bopper brought here to apease the fans. This guy seems to be a perfect fit for the M's needs. Beltre can play, and at 25 he still has potential for continued improvement!!!


Richie Sexon had a .993 fielding percentage at 1st base in 2003. That was good enough to make him the top defensive 1st baseman in the majors. Granted he was injured most of last season. If he can bounce back the M's will definately be tough on the corners.