12
2011
From Left Field: Carlos Beltran Update
An article by 
After hearing his name every single day for quite awhile a few weeks ago, Carlos Beltran has almost become a forgotten figure in New York. Maybe it just seems that way since almost every post was Beltran related, but even so Beltran’s association with the Mets is history.
Anyway, here’s a Beltran update. In 11 games for the San Francisco Giants, Beltran is hitting just .244. He has no home runs and just two RBI. He does surprisingly have two triples, which is as many as he had this year with the Mets.
Even worse, Beltran left Sunday’s game with pain in his right hand. He was expected back Wednesday but still hasn’t been in the lineup. He may even wind up on the disabled list.
The Giants viewed Beltran as the savior that would propel them to an easy NL West crown. However, that has not been the case just yet at least. The Giants find themselves one game back of the Arizona Diamondbacks (the same team picked to finish last in the division).
San Francisco had to be aware of the injury risk associated with Beltran, but they still decided to pull the trigger on the deal. How could you blame them, though? They desperately needed offense, and Beltran was the best available player on the market.
From the Mets perspective, this trade is looking like a steal. Zach Wheeler has been a little shaky so far, but the long-term investment could pay off in the form of a top of the rotation starter.
I’m definitely upset that Beltran isn’t performing up to par for the Giants. I would much rather see Beltran carry the Giants on his back to capture the NL West and unseat the Phillies for a second time in the playoffs.
However, if Beltran remains sidelined, the Giants are still the weak hitting team that desperately coveted Beltran before the trade deadline, only now without their star pitching prospect in Wheeler.
Let’s see how things unfold over the next few weeks with Beltran. He’s already missed a week, so placing him on the DL would be retroactive to Sunday. But in such a tight race with about a month and half to go, every game counts.
About the Author: Jim Mancari
Jim Mancari hails from Massapequa, N.Y. He recently earned a Master's degree in Journalism at Hofstra University. He is a devout Mets fan and takes pride in his team, despite their lack of success over the last few years. Like all Mets fans, Jim has plenty of hope. He also writes as the sports reporter for the Brooklyn Tablet newspaper and the senior editor of metroBASEBALL Magazine. Click my name to view my personal website.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 42 | 28 | .600 | - |
| Nationals | 34 | 35 | .493 | 7.5 |
| Phillies | 34 | 37 | .479 | 8.5 |
| Mets | 25 | 40 | .385 | 14.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 47 | .319 | 19.5 |
Last updated: 06/18/2013
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I know. If they need another bat, let’s trade them bay!
From the Mets perspective, this trade is looking like a steal. ”
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??!???
So you don’t like the fact that Sandy got back a team’s first pick pitching prospect?
Everyone knew Beltran was gone come mid season. In April, we were hoping just to get back some mid level prospects. Beltran’s very good first half and Sandy’s holding his ground, got us back far more than we could have hoped for. I thought it was a good deal for both teams, even though San Fran gave up Wheeler.
I wish things had been different and we kept Beltran. That would have meant we were in this race. We’re not and we didn’t keep Beltran so to me this was the best case scenario.
I too am rooting for Beltran and the Giants. I’ll root for anyone that can knock the Phillies out.
Here’s hoping Carlos doesn’t wind up on the DL.
This is why I’m glad Omar Minaya is gone and that Sandy Alderson is here. We got their #1 pitching prospect for Beltran who was on the verge of breaking down. Wheeler is now the best Mets prospect and a future ace!
Minaya would have listened to the disillusioned fans and traded Matt Harvey for a rental player.
The Omar bashing and Sandy lovefest is officially out of control. The Mets NEVER traded good prospects for help to fill holes at the deadline under Minaya. Not once, despite having a contending team that was desperate for another arm in 2007 and 2008. And yes the Mets lucked out with Beltran hitting well and staying healthy and getting a good player for him in trade, but Alderson threw away this year. They didn’t rebuild or contend.
Omar bashing does not equate Sandy lovefest.
He never traded any prospects in 08 (because we didn’t really have much) meanwhile the bullpen was blowing games at a historic rate, and you want to pat him on the back for that?
at least those minaya teams were competitive.. from 2005-2008 minaya’s teams by around this team were still in it..
sandy’s already got a losing season in his first year, also, a lost offseason and what seems to be, an even tougher offseason for him
Omar’s first year team in 05 Finished 2 games over .500 and in 3rd place which was not competitive – which is probably on or close to what this team will finish – so once again, facts allude you.
You also miss the point again, in 08 when the team was in it, and needed desperate help in the bullpen he did nothing, yet you are still furious that a 34 year old, that was walking at the end of the year, was traded after the team was out of it so they could get a HIGH CEILING pitching prospect in return? Have you submitted your resume, you obviously know so much more.
I think any look at Beltran’s numbers since leaving should be considered in relation to the Batting around him…
He went from a team that had Two guys on the batting leaderboard plus some others hovering in the .300 range to a team who went after him precisely BECAUSE they had no hitting whatsoever!
Going from a feast hitting lineup to Famine means Carlos is not going to see the same pitches as he would with Murphy or Wright behind him or Reyes on base in front of him.
Other than Sandoval .315
The guys behind Beltran and Sandoval are hitting .244 .243 .274 and .222 Respectively.
Their leadoff hitter is hitting .232 and Only Keppinger and Sandoval are hitting above .300
Was the deal a Steal? Well only if Wheeler makes the MLB and shows all that PROMISE everyone ASSuMEs he has.
So While I understand everyones need to justify the trade by looking at Beltran post Mets numbers. The situation he is under is very different than what would be if he were still here.
As far as I’m concerned I hope his numbers stay bad cause then maybe we resign him to an enticing number for us and get back some leadership!
You can never equate what one guy does in one lineup (and home field) to what he may do in another lineup. Our lineup Carlos hit in was no murderers row especially with Davis and Wright out most of the season and Pagan and Bay not providing much and Thole scaring no one but with Turner hitting well, Murphy providing credible protection and Reyes having the best season of his life so far the Offense had some things to work with. SF’s is very, very limited, even with Carlos.
When your everyday lineup only goes two deep, those two guys aren’t going to get much to hit. Not the same thing.