Beltran always seemed likable and pleasant with reporters and fans. He just never clicked in New York. Let it suffice to say that the best playing he has done for the team has been these last few months. Now he is a leader, playing with effort and gusto, and looking like the guy he should have been the last seven years. What a shame it took so long. How sad for the fans, the players, and for Beltran most of all.
Now he will be in a new uniform the next time he comes to New York. There are a number of teams still in contention that want his services. What will the Mets get back for him? Can you say Jim Fregosi or Pat Zachary without wincing? Hopefully GM Sandy Alderson will realize he is holding all the cards and make certain that he gets a good return on the deal, nothing like those meaningless "players to be named later" he got from Milwaukee for K-Rod.
We bid adieu to Carlos Beltran. Carlos, we hardly knew you, and that is probably the saddest part of all.
Photo Credit: Daily News
Article comments
1 - Tony
So nobody blames Aaron Heillman for serving it up to Yadier Molina? Beltran gets all of the blame, huh? That game was won until that point.
2 - Charlie Doherty
I wouldn't quite compare Beltran's taking a key called third strike to Buckner (though the Buckner fiasco is also overrated - if he didn't make the error, the game would've still been tied because Bob Stanley's wild pitch had already let Game 6 get tied in the tenth inning. People seem to ignore or forget that and give poor Buckner all the blame).
Anyway, don't be surprised if Beltran doesn't get dealt come July 31. The Red Sox already bailed out because the asking price was too high. And I doubt the Mets would trade Beltran to an in-division rival like the Braves or Phillies.
I only see him being moved if some other team under the radar that can afford to add payroll (like maybe the LA Angels, maybe?) comes in at the last minute.
3 - Victor Lana
The rumors I keep hearing on "talk radio" are:
1. Carlos refuses to go to an AL team
2. He is leaning toward SF Giants
3. The Mets can't get what they want from Giants
4. He could end up joining K-Rod in Milwaukee