A video update courtesy of MetsBlog and SNY.tv.

 

Updated 12:45 PM

“I have to think about my health and how to be in the field for the team,” Beltran said. “I believe the best decision is for me to play right field. It’s going to be less active, and I am looking forward to saving my knees for the long run. I know if I am healthy and I can play more time in the field, I can help this team offensively, even in the outfield. I know it will be a different transition for me to make but I feel I will be able to do that.”

Beltran made it official and spoke with reporters before the game. Angel Pagan is now the center fielder for the New York Mets, and Carlos Beltran is now the right fielder.

Beltran also said he expects to be ready for Opening Day, but will DH in the early going of spring training.

Pagan, who idolizes Beltran, was as humble as always and by Beltran’s side.

Give Terry Collins props for handling this perfectly.

Photo credit to MetsBlog.com

Updated 11:15 AM

As more and more details come out, I will keep updating this thread. We have now learned that it was Carlos Beltran who initiated the meeting with manager Terry Collins this morning. This was clearly his decision and you may remember when Spring Training started, Beltran promised he would give the Mets an honest decision.

“I still believe I can play centerfield,” Beltran said. “But I need time, I need more time. This will make it easier for Angel. It will take it off of his mind and let him make the transition. I don’t want to have everyone worrying about it,” he said. “It is easier for everyone.”

A selfless act from a team-first guy, and one of the classiest players ever to don a Mets uniform.

Original Post 10:15 AM

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Carlos Beltran has accepted a move to rightfield following a meeting with manager Terry Collins this morning. Here are reactions from David Wright:

“Any time you get a guy that’s accomplished what Carlos has accomplished, and done the kind of things that Carlos has done in this game, to be that guy that really sees the big picture and sees what’s best for this team and does something like that, it makes you want to go out there and really play united and play as a team,” third baseman David Wright said.

“That’s probably takes a lot coming from a guy that’s really accomplished what he’s accomplished. Carlos wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t feel comfortable doing it. I just think it’s a very selfless act. Like I said, baseball players have a lot of pride. To be able to kind of swallow that pride and look at what’s best for the team and make that decision, says a lot about what Carlos is trying to accomplish here.”

Beltran was seen hobbling around this morning with his knee wrapped according to Steve Popper.

An official announcement is expected before noon.

Thankfully, this will end all the mindless garbage out there about how selfish a player Beltran is.

When he was in his prime, Beltran was one of the best centerfielders I ever saw, and one of the most graceful as well. As a Met he had some great defensive moments, especially a couple of brilliant game saving catches in Houston against the Astros.

It’s great that he made his decision early so that way he can get as many reps in rightfield as he can.