Brian34Cook

No more surprises for Belliard
05/26/2007


May 5, 2007: Ronnie Belliard #10 of the Washington Nationals turns a double play as Ryan Theriot #2 of the Chicago Cubs slides into second base.

When he left St. Louis as a world champion, Ronnie Belliard figured he would have his choice of suitors as one of the best second basemen in the free-agent market. As spring training neared, how his view had changed.

Weighing offers, he chose Washington because it was a National League team and his best bet for playing time as a utility infielder.

"Nothing surprises me anymore," Belliard said Friday as he returned to Busch Stadium with his new team. "It wasn't like it was hard to swallow or I was disappointed or anything because there is nothing in this game that can surprise me. I figured I'd take my chances."

The Cardinals moved swiftly to sign a second baseman, landing Adam Kennedy with a three-year, $10 million offer in November. The Cardinals' explanation was they talked with both Belliard and Kennedy, getting the vibe that Belliard wanted to play the market and Kennedy wanted to sign. The impression was Belliard sought a richer deal.

Three months later, Belliard did sign, for $750,000.

A few American League teams gave Belliard the same non-roster invitee contract the Nationals did, but the chance to play in the NL and play for Washington manager Manny Acta was more attractive. Acta has been Belliard's manager in the Dominican Republic winter ball for several seasons.

"He is a solid player his last few years in the big leagues and just coming out of a World Series and not having a job two, three days before spring training starts?" Acta said. "The market for second basemen wasn't there, and maybe a lot of people didn't see him as a utility infielder."

STLtoday - Sports - Cardinals

Honestly Im happy for him.. I didnt wanna trade Hector Luna for him last year cuz I had a feeling he'd be a rental but I thank him.. big defensive play against SD!