Next Up...
Michael Bamberger
March 29, 1999
Last year Adrian Beltre did not perpetuate the rich Los Angeles Rookie of the Year tradition. Called up in late June from Double A San Antonio, the third baseman from the Dominican Republic hit a mere .215 with seven home runs in 195 at bats. To boot, he made 13 errors in 77 games. But the Dodgers, heartened by Beltre's MVP season in the Dominican winter league, just want him to relax. "He knows he doesn't have to do everything," says G.M. Kevin Malone, hoping that sheer playing time will allow Beltre (who turns 21 on April 7) to display his powerful arm and bat. If he does, maybe he will at least be sophomore of the year.
Last year Adrian Beltre did not perpetuate the rich Los Angeles Rookie of the Year tradition. Called up in late June from Double A San Antonio, the third baseman from the Dominican Republic hit a mere .215 with seven home runs in 195 at bats. To boot, he made 13 errors in 77 games. But the Dodgers, heartened by Beltre's MVP season in the Dominican winter league, just want him to relax. "He knows he doesn't have to do everything," says G.M. Kevin Malone, hoping that sheer playing time will allow Beltre (who turns 21 on April 7) to display his powerful arm and bat. If he does, maybe he will at least be sophomore of the year.