PHILADELPHIA — As promised, Adrian Beltre popped out of the dugout at Dodger Stadium one day in September and returned to field a question he’d been asked about Nolan Arenado.
For the majority of the visiting Cardinals’ batting practice, the retired infielder ranged from hugging Albert Pujols to laughing with Arenado and if he saw someone else familiar he flashed that quick first step that eventually will take him to Cooperstown as one of the most complete players ever to handle third base. When a reporter brought up Arenado’s defense at that same position, Beltre held up a finger and said he’d be back.