Let’s give it up for Carlos Beltran!
The knock on Beltran after his first season with the Mets was that he was soft. How ridiculous… He is anything but soft. Time and time again we have seen him crash into walls, limping off the field, and what not. And yet each and every time he bounces back without a DL stint, usually playing again the very next day or within a day or two.
Carlos Beltran was in the lineup last night, one day after limping off the field after colliding with the umpire at home plate. He had two more hits, including a three-run home run that put the Mets up at the time.
Beltran is now on pace for a 25 HR – 115 RBI – 125 R season. That of course doesn’t include all the runs he saves each night with his dazzling defense in center field and of course his powerful arm that has gunned down many a would-be baserunner.
His quiet and reserved nature lead many to believe that he is not a team leader.
His poise, agility and great instincts in center field, lead many to believe that he’s not aggressive enough defensively.
His long strides and deceptive speed, lead many to believe that he’s not hustling on the basepaths.
His long and level swing is almost effortless, and leads many to believe he doesn’t attack the ball.
He is perhaps the most misunderstood and under-appreciated center fielder the Mets have ever had.
Carlos Beltran is an exceptional leader and an excellent center fielder, who has great speed and is consistently among the league leaders in RBI’s and runs scored.
He is also the best player ever to man the position that the Mets have ever had.
He should be as beloved as Bernie Williams was for the Yankees, but for some reason he’s not.
He may end up being one of those players who will not truly be appreciated until he is long gone. It’s too bad…
Those among us who love Beltran can firmly attest to the fact that you don’t know what you’re missing. He really is a special player and I’m so glad he will patrol center field at CitiField for years to come.
