Adrian, Carl and Adrian

As the free agency period opened up 2010, General Manager Theo Epstein, said that the priorities in the off season were strengthening the bullpen and re-signing C Victor Martinez and 3B Adrian Beltre.  But, as Martinez signed a four year deal with Detroit and Beltre's agent Scott Boras began looking for a big payday for his client, Epstein kept his cool heading into the Winter Meetings and emerged as the big winner again.


First, the Sox dealt four prospects to the San Diego Padres for the long sought after 1B Adrian Gonzalez.  A hard hitting left hander who is itching to beat the Yankees and crush balls over the short right porch in Fenway, the acquisition of Gonzalez was something that Epstein and Manager Terry Francona had long wanted and finally attained.  Though they failed to include a long term extension in the deal, both Epstein and Gonzalez expressed confidence that they would reach an agreement before the season started.

The signing of Gonzalez left little doubt about the fate of Beltre in Boston.  1B Kevin Youkilis had already told the media he was beginning to prepare for a season at the hot corner and there was no way that Epstein would choose Beltre over Youk.  At the time of this post, Beltre has signed with Texas after negotiations with the Angels fell through.  But more on those Angels and Beltre later.


But the real blow came when the Sox signed OF Carl Crawford to a seven year, $142 million dollar contract.  Remember that the Sox weren't even thought to be in play for Crawford and all signs pointed to him agreeing to a deal with Anaheim.  (They still reside in Anaheim and will always be the Anaheim Angels to me.)  The Sox came from out of nowhere at the Winter Meetings to lock him down with a monster contract, just days after OF Jayson Werth signed a similar deal with Washington.  It was truly unexpected and a great early gift for The Nation.  


If you will indulge me for a moment and read something that I have been drafting since the idea for this blog entered my brain.  Allow me to take you back to that night in December with this scene from my workplace.

FADE IN- INT. RESTAURANT BAR.  Televisions tuned to ESPN.  MIKE (29) watches with mild interest, waiting for people to leave so he can go home.  A special bulletin flashes across the screen and excitement flashes across Mike's face.  He runs back into...


INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN. Mike skids across the floor, freshly mopped and holds himself against the wall.


MIKE - Rob!
ROB (O.S.) - What?
MIKE - Carl Crawford, seven years!
ROB (O.S.) - Yea?!


ROB (27) comes running from the back of the kitchen with the look of a child on Christmas morning, expecting a new red bicycle.


MIKE - With the Boston Red Sox!


Mike falls down laughing, while Rob is crestfallen.

Rob is one of the legions of Angels fans who foolishly believed that his team would *giggle* sign a big ticket free agent in the off season.  While I could only briefly grieve his loss, it was quickly overtaken by sheer joy.  I immediately called my friend and proud member of the Nation, Jamie Black and we shouted and laughed the laughs of kings.  Who would lead off?  Is Jacoby back in center?  We can pencil ourselves in for the East pennant, how about the AL?  The Series?  With an opening day lineup that will likely six All Stars, Red Sox Nation has much to be thankful for this off season and even more to look forward to in 2011.  


Finally, The Nation bid farewell to Beltre, who had a career year while he was with the Sox and really kept the club going through so many injuries, even if he may have indirectly caused a few of them.  Arguably last season's team MVP, he deserves a pat on the back.  Just don't touch Adrian Beltre on his head.