However, McLaren says this is the year Beltre should return to his 2004 form (and the M's should get what they're paying for). He's finally settled. He's more comfortable in a Mariners uniform and he's completely healthy.

After seeing Beltre in Peoria (at Spring Training) and watching him work out, I agree with Mac. Beltre appears to be in great shape and in great spirits. He's a fixture in the clubhouse, cracking jokes with his teammates and walking around with a smile on his face. You can just tell Beltre is at a good place with himself right now.

I talked to Adrian about all the talk surrounding his upcoming season. He said he feels great, and upon reflection of his 2004 season he feels confident in his ability to do that again, but he was a bit cautious in guaranteeing those '04 numbers, "I think I have a chance to get something like that...or close...I don't have to be as good...but hopefully I can get something done to help this team get to the playoffs."

Beltre is a team guy. The Dominican lives for this game. You can see it in the way he runs through fielding drills and tirelessly works in the batting cages. Beltre is starting his tenth season in the major leagues and still has as much fire and raw enthusiasm as a rookie (...combined with the wisdom of a veteran. Hence, the reason he won't guarantee career numbers!).

In addition to his confidence and newly-found comfort, Beltre is coming off his best year defensively, where he picked up his first ever Gold Glove Award (he beat out 6-time winner, Eric Chavez of Oakland). With the defense he's playing now and the attention he's giving his offense, I think Beltre is ready to have his first big year for the M's.