More photos » Kevin P. Casey - AP

5 months ago: Seattle Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre awaits a batter during his first baseball game back from an injury, against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Browse more photos »

I just finished reading Buster Olney's Monday afternoon chat over at ESPN and a chatter asked him the following:

Brian (Ann Arbor)

 

Buster, Pedro Feliz's option wasn't picked up. Who do you see replacing him: Beltre, Derosa, or is there someone else?

Buster Olney

  (1:30 PM)

Brian: Beltre is a great, great fit -- so long as the price is right. We'll see what Scott Boras asks for ...

I agree with Olney, and Beltre could have a bounce back season hitting in Philly in 2010. He would actually be an upgrade defensively as well. His 2009 season was downright terrible, as he went 8-44-13-.265-.304-.379-.683.

His .683 OPS was the worst of his career, and his OBP was pretty close to being his worst. Beltre's BB% dropped from 8.3% in 2008 to 4.1% in 2009, and he hit alot more ground balls in 2009-45.6% vs 39.8% in 2008. His FB% dropped slightly, but his HR/FB% dropped significantly from 13.8% in 2008 to 5.6% in 2009. Beltre's career average HR/FB% is around 13.1%, so he should rebound in the power category. One can attribute Beltre's drop in power to the surgery he had on his right shoulder in June.

If the price is right, and it very well could be, I could see Beltre playing in Philadelphia in 2010, as this team is built to win now.