Adrian Beltre is only a step away from officially becoming the newest member of the Red Sox.
The third baseman, along with Billy Hall, were in Boston having physicals on Thursday, according to Boston.com. One or both of them could be introduced as Red Sox on Thursday afternoon or on Friday.
Boston snagged Hall (plus a minor league prospect) from Seattle in exchange for first baseman Casey Kotchman, whom many believed would assume a starting role at first base if the Red Sox couldn't work out a deal for Beltre or San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez. Hall will serve as a utilityman for the Red Sox, as he can be relied upon at third, short and outfield.
Beltre signed a one year, $9 million deal with Boston which includes an option for $5 million in 2011 and a $1 million buyout.
In 111 games in 2009, Beltre finished with a .265 average, eight home runs and 44 RBIs. His best season came in 2004, when he hit .334 with 48 homers and 121 RBIs as a member of the Dodgers.
The 30-year-old Hall split time between Milwaukee and Seattle in 2009. He played in 110 games and hit .201 with eight homers and .36 RBIs, and he told Boston.com he hopes to resurrect his career in Boston.
