Carlos Beltran has apparently let it be known that he will reject the $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Cardinals and seek a 3 or 4-year deal. If the 37-year old (in April) is serious about getting a contract that runs past his 40th birthday, the Red Sox should pull out of the Beltran Sweepstakes. If 2013 has taught us anything, it's that the 'discipline' of short-term deals works. Granted, Beltran has shown he can play effectively even when hurt (see the World Series), but Boston should not gamble on a 40-year old player roaming right-field at Fenway three years down the road. Beltran is clearly an exceptional player, but the Red Sox have alternatives in their system. We should move on.
