Few Show Up For Beltran’s Finale, Where Does He End Up?

In what may very well have been the final home appearance for Carlos Beltran as a Met, the spattering of fans that did show up gave him a muted ovation during his final at-bat in the ninth inning – a shallow flyball to Matt Holliday.

Beltran wenr 0-3 with a walk, and the look on his face spoke volumes – where did those seven years go?

There would be no grand finale for one of the greatest outfielders in franchise history, and if not for all the kids from summer camps, hardly a few thousand fans showed up to say goodbye to the six time All Star. It was kind of sad to watch.

But this is baseball, and this is a business. Beltran has chosen to handle this with class and is resigned to his fate. He raised no fuss when Sandy Alderson gave him a list of teams which includes one that he will likely call home in the next few days. Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports looks at which teams could deal for the switch-hitting slugger.  

Philadelphia: GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is searching for a corner outfielder, preferably right field, leaving Raul Ibanez(notes) in left and Shane Victorino(notes) in center. The Phillies have a left-leaning lineup, so are seeking balance as well as a second-half lift to an offense that’s been average so far.

Boston: The Red Sox have a slight problem in right field, where J.D. Drew(notes) is batting .223 with four homers and 22 RBIs in 77 games. As ESPN.com reported, GM Theo Epstein has grown protective of his farm system since the trade for Adrian Gonzalez(notes), and the Red Sox also have needs in the starting rotation and bullpen. If they prioritize the pitching staff, the Red Sox could be outbid for Beltran.

Atlanta: Jason Heyward’s(notes) sophomore season has proved to be a bit of a struggle, particularly against left-handed pitching. While waiting on Chipper Jones(notes) to return from knee surgery (and Martin Prado’s(notes) subsequent return to left field), the Braves’ outfield has been manned by three of Eric Hinske(notes), Nate McLouth(notes), Jordan Schafer(notes) and Heyward. GM Frank Wren probably would like to add at least a right-handed-hitting platoon element for Heyward, if not a full-time outfielder.

San Francisco: GM Brian Sabean added a useful hitter in infielder Jeff Keppinger(notes), but Keppinger won’t solve all of the Giants’ offensive issues. Sabean implied to Bay Area papers this week he will not part with upper-tier prospects such as Brandon Belt(notes) and Zack Wheeler. He still ought to be able to work a deal. The Giants rank near the bottom of the NL in runs, home runs and on-base percentage, so he almost has to if he wants to ease the torture.

Milwaukee: The Brewers made the first deadline move by acquiring reliever Francisco Rodriguez, so Doug Melvin and Alderson are already acquainted. Melvin said recently he had nothing imminent on the trade front, but has proven in the past to be an aggressive player come July. With Ryan Braun(notes) back in left, the Brewers could use Beltran in center (though Nyjer Morgan(notes) is hitting) or right (where Corey Hart(notes) has been spotty).

New York: The Yankees aren’t getting much production from their DH’s, so could engage the Mets in a rare intra-city swap. The Mets are in no position to sweat the potential public relations issues that could arise with Beltran in the Bronx, if that’s where the best trade lies.

MetsBlog summarizes the latest rumblings onBeltran which are as follows:

• The Phillies remain the favorites to land Beltran, although the Giants, Braves, Brewers and Rangers in pursuit of Beltran as well.
• The field is narrowing for a potential trade for Beltran, although the Giants might not be willing to deal prospects for Beltran.
• The Brewers are trying to put together a package for Beltran.
• The Mets are seeking top prospects from the Red Sox for Beltran.
• The Phillies, who had scouts at last night’s game against the Cardinals, are theearly favorites to acquire Beltran, meaning Sandy Alderson will likely ask for top OF prospect Dominic Brown.
• The Mets have provided Beltran a list of teams to consider being traded to; knowing there areat least 6 teams he is willing to move to.
• Beltran can bring back at least one really good prospect, such as Mike Minor from the Braves, who are ‘very serious’ about acquiring a bat.
• The Pirates like Beltran, but they are not going after him “full speed.”

If they’re gonna do it, I wish they’ll do it fast like pulling off a bandaid… Whatever we do get for Beltran will most likely be two or more years away, so the immediate impact will be a huge sucking sound in what will be a depleted lineup, and a hole that won’t be easily replaced. Just get it over with already.