Even though Beltre was busy doing it all for the Rangers, he still had an eye on his old team and was aware of the historic collapse that cost the Sox a playoff spot and ultimately, led to the departure of manager Terry Francona.
In the end, though, Beltre said he wasn't surprised of the fallout, citing the nature of the game more so than the work of Francona.
"I don't think anybody can say it was the manager's fault, but somebody had to take the fall," Beltre told the Boston Herald prior to the opening of the ALCS between the Rangers and Tigers. "Unfortunately, that's the job of the manager sometimes. When teams don't do as people expected, they have to take the fall for it. That's baseball. Sometimes, changes need to be made, and I'm sure that's what the Red Sox are thinking right now."
Beltre also touched upon the clubhouse chemistry and makeup, a key component in the exit of Francona. Beltre wouldn't acknowledge any problems in the Boston clubhouse during his only season with the Sox, but it sure sounds like he appreciates the situation he's in now a little bit more.
"Boston's clubhouse was a good clubhouse last year, no doubt," he told the Herald's Scott Lauber. "But this one is a little different. I can't put it in words. The guys get along better. They get along more. The clubhouse in Boston was good, but somehow, I feel more comfortable here."
