Mar
17
2011

Reality May Be Settling In On Beltran, Better Hang On To Duda

An article by Joe D

Yesterday morning I wrote this post entitled “For Whom The Beltran Tolls” in which I continued to repeat my skepticism that the Mets were not being very realistic about Beltran being ready to play by Opening Day doubted their claims that they were simply “being cautious”. Here is part of what I wrote,

Are we still going to keep up the pretense that Carlos Beltran will be in the Opening Day lineup?

Apparently so. Terry Collins said Beltran only needs ten days to be ready and everything is just hunky-dory.

Alderson isn’t worried either. Beltran is a well conditioned athlete who is doing things to ensure that he will be there come Opening Day and last the entire season, he says.

Oh, I guess I’m just flaky and a bit dense because I thought that being he has never played right field in his whole career, that he might want to get in there and get some reps before he’s set to play the second most difficult right field in the majors for the next six months… But that’s just me.

Three at-bats as a DH, and eleven days later he is still on the mend. Oh brother…

Finally their tune has changed slightly as they begin to face the reality of the situation head-on.

After weeks of using words like “no doubt” and “very confident” to describe the odds that Carlos Beltran will be ready to start the season on Opening Day, there now seems to be a crack forming in the dam. The following is from NJ.com:

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson earmarked Friday as a chance to observe Beltran’s progress. He mentioned back-dating Beltran on the disabled list at the start of the year. “At this point, we’ll have to see where he is at the beginning of the season,” Alderson said.

Back-dating him can only happen if he doesn’t play any further spring games. A player can only be back-dated until the last game he played. If they are already considering this option, than that means they expect him to miss further time leading up to opening day. Why don’t reporters dig anymore and ask better questions? had it been me I would of jumped all over that comment.

Another thing I have been saying all along is that Lucas Duda should be on this team. As I stated previously, spelling Beltran is going to be a full time job and he would not be wasting away on the bench as too many fans seem to think.

Duda could easily get 300 at-bats this season and I would rather have him getting the extra playing time here in the majors, than giving all those ABs to Harris and Hairston whose best days are behind them and are both coming off horrid years at the plate.

Hopefully, they will come to their senses and keep Duda around, especially if this is a transitional season with eyes toward competing in 2012.

About the Author: Joe DeCaro

I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.

8 Comments + Add Comment

oldtimer March 17, 2011 at 9:47 am

The Mets can contend IF Beltran has a comeback year, IF Santana can come back in July and pitch well, IF Bay has a big year, and IF they find someone who can play a decent second base. What?
Brian March 17, 2011 at 9:59 am

You have to understand that there is a big difference here. You are a Mets blogger seeking out the truth from the tiny bits of information you can get your hands on. You take that informantion and use it draw your conclusions. The Mets cant do that. There only job is to delay bad news as long as they can so it doesnt hurt ticket sales. What they are counting on is that the fanbase believe them rather than you. The fans want to hear sweet things rather than an awful truth. Just keep doing what you do and remain objective, those of us who do what your insight will keep coming back.
- Brian March 17, 2011 at 10:00 am
  
  Sorry, but that last line should have read:
  
  Just keep doing what you do and remain objective, those of us who do enjoy your insights will keep coming back.
  - stick March 17, 2011 at 10:52 am
    
    so, basically the same as politicians talking, and needing investigative reporter types to translate into the truth?
K Maxx March 17, 2011 at 10:19 am

What’s changed from the Omar years? You know what? NOTHING!

These guys are the same sack of liars. They used the same excuses Omar did who was another Wilpon lapdog like Alderson is.

They bank your hopes on all these “IF” situations. They knew that beltran wasn’t ready all along. They lioed through their teeth telling us we are going to surprise and that Bay and Beltran woul lead the team with strong healthy seasons. Bay looks like a mess his swing is all fouled up, and Beltran wont play more 40 games this season. They will trade Jose Reyes too, you could bank on it.

These moneyballers were bought here because they are experienced in managing a $50 million payroll. That’s what the Mets payroll will be by 2013.
- Joe D March 17, 2011 at 11:43 am
  
  You really need to calm down and lay off the caffiene.
Moose March 17, 2011 at 12:42 pm

For the start of the season Beltron will be on the DL how much of the season that is the question or should I say on and off the DL. Don’t blame just the Mets orginization how about Carlos not being truthful about his condition to the Mets. This off season did he do every thing that he could to be in better condition for spring training or did he have his Baseball Acadamy as number one. It was the Mets who have given him the money for his Acadamy. So lets keep Duda he looks like he is playing good. See what his future looks like.
We are not Yankee or Phillies Fans were MET FANS. Go Mets
sarge March 17, 2011 at 2:34 pm

I agree, having seen Duda in a game this spring, that Lucas would be a good fill in for Beltran who I believe will not be ready for opening day.
I have not been a fan of Harris, his claim to fame is having made some great catches against Mets, and Hairston has been a traveling man and his bat is lacking for a regular gig in RF.

Let Duda get the majority, against lefties anyway, of at bats and split with Hairston/Harris against lefties and take him out for defense late in game at least until Beltran returns.

I for one believe that Carlos’ presence in lineup will help David and help with run production so pitchers don’t have to be trying to throw shutouts all the time.

We will see in the next few days or so what direction SA wants to take this team and how Collins uses what is given to him.

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