Update 9:38 AM

Carlos Beltran appeared on WFAN’s Boomer and Carton show this morning, and said he’s “ahead of schedule and doing great.”.

He is currently back in Puerto Rico continuing his rehab.

Original Post 2/11 3:35 PM

According to Mark Hale of the NY Post, the Mets believe Carlos Beltran will head to spring training when position players report on February 23, even though the star center fielder will not be physically ready and is under no obligation to report that early.

“He doesn’t have to report [then], but I think he was planning on coming in right around when the other position players did,” assistant GM John Ricco said yesterday. “He was not just going to stay at home and rehab with the physical therapist there.” Added Omar Minaya, “He doesn’t have to. But right now I think that’s his plan.” 

No matter how you slice it, this is excellent news for the Mets for two reasons.

1. It diffuses all the rumors that Beltran is pissed off at the Mets and wont be in a hurry to get back as was reported by Fox Sports and ESPN.

2. It’s a great sign to have our star player around to let his teammates know he’s with them all the way. It shows that he is enthusiastic about returning to the field as soon as possible,and may even indicate his rehab is going well.

And the crowd goes wild!

LGM