Let The Carlos Beltran Sweepstakes Begin
Added on Jul 25, 2011 by Scott in
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With the trade deadline looming on July 31st, contenders in need of a bat are lining up to swing a deal for Mets right fielder Carlos Beltran. With the Mets stuck at .500, it seems like a foregone conclusion they will start dumping salary and Beltran, who is the final year of a $120 million contract, is a leading candidate to be shipped out of town.
At least five teams are rumored to be interested in acquiring the 34-year-old slugger’s services. Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco, Texas and Boston are all in the running, although according to Beltran, a National League city would be preferable.
“Right now, I feel so comfortable with the National League. I’ve been here seven years. I feel comfortable here. … It’s just seven years that I haven’t played in the American League. But let’s see. I mean, it’s going to be convenient for the organization, for sure, but it also has to be convenient for me. If it’s convenient for both, we move forward.”
He also stated he has no desire to be a DH, even on a part-time basis. If the Mets honor his demands, offensive-hungry Philadelphia, Atlanta and San Francisco will engage in a three-team Battle Royale to land his .291 average, 15 home runs and 64 RBI. Beltran has the power to veto any deal due to the no-trade clause in his contract.
A darkhorse franchise like Pittsburgh or Milwaukee could throw their hat in the ring, but it’s unlikely they would be able to offer a package on par with the big boys. The Mets want legit prospects in return for Beltran, so a team with a farm system stacked with talent has the best chance.
Of all the National League contenders, the Giants are most in need of a power surge in the lineup. They rank 14th in the NL in team batting and have smacked only 65 home runs. Beltran would immediately become their best hitter should he be brought aboard.
Source: ESPN.com
