By: Dan Podheiser, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer
There have been several great third basemen in Red Sox history.
Since 1901 (when the franchise was called the Boston Americans), there have been 46 different everyday third basemen.
Wade Boggs was easily the best. Boggs made eight straight All-Star teams from 1985 to 1992, and won the silver slugger at third six times in his Red Sox career.
In recent years, two fan favorites — Bill Mueller and Mike Lowell — have made great impressions at third base. Mueller won the AL batting title in 2003, and Lowell had a great 2007 season that culminated with a World Series MVP Award.
There was also George Kell — a Hall of Famer more well-known for his years with the Athletics and Tigers — who made an All-Star team playing the hot corner for Boston in 1953.
But in 2010, Adrian Beltre’s stats are quickly becoming one of the best in Red Sox third base history. Unquestionably Boston’s most consistent hitter all year, Beltre has had a career resurrection at the right time for the injury-plagued Red Sox.
So, without further ado, here are the top 10 seasons for Red Sox third basemen in franchise history.