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July 14, 2011 Opinion and Analysis Joe Janish

Where To Shop Carlos Beltran

Sandy Alderson stated very clearly that the trade of K-Rod did not signal any kind of “fire sale” and certainly had no impact on Carlos Beltran‘s situation.

Direct from Sandy:

As I’ve said on occasion, I’d like to see Carlos with us as we continue this run. At some point, the interest already expressed by those clubs will be reaffirmed, and we will have some conversations. I do want to make it clear the Rodriguez trade should not signal anything to anyone about Beltran.

OK, Sandy, we believe you (wink wink). So we’ll just pretend for a few minutes that Beltran is actually on the block, and examine possible landing spots for the switch-hitting slugger — just for fun!

Giants
We saw firsthand that the Giants can’t hit — and they still beat the Mets two out of three. They need a bat like Beltran’s in the lineup to fend off the second-place Diamondbacks.

Pirates
What? The Pirates? Why not? They are above .500 for the first time since George Bush was President — the FIRST George Bush. Despite being 22nd in MLB in runs scored, the Bucs are only one game out in the NL Central. The team owes the city of Pittsburgh a serious run this year, and a rental such as Beltran could be just the thing they need to stay in the race through the end of the year while also making a statement to their beleaguered fans that the team is serious about winning.

Angels
The Angels are only a few runs better than the Bucs, and might be inclined to consider an upgrade over current DH Bobby Abreu, who is getting on base (.394 OBP) but not hitting with power (3 HR, .363 SLG).

Rays
Left fielder Sam Fuld is hitting .238. The Rays are 6 games behind the AL East leaders but creeping close to the top of the standings. Beltran could be the jolt they need to sneak past the Yankees and/or Red Sox.

Diamondbacks
This one is probably a long shot, but they are only three games behind the Giants and Beltran could be a difference-maker. Their current left fielder Gerardo Parra is having a decent year, but not exactly putting up the numbers you normally want from that position; I wonder if they would consider putting Parra in a deal for Beltran? Also, would the D-Backs acquire Beltran to keep him away from the Giants?

Philies and Braves
Both of these teams are desperate for a corner outfielder who can hit. However, I’m just not seeing the Mets helping one of those two teams this year.

Did I miss any teams? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to explain your case.

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Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. jim July 14, 2011 at 7:58 am
    There is talk in the Boston papers about Beltran Playing right field there in light of Drew’s problems,
  2. izzy July 14, 2011 at 8:17 am
    What run is Sandy fantasizing about. 1 game over 500 7.5 games out of wild card, what run? don’t lie Sandy… Met fansaren’t stupid, stop acting as if we are. We all didn’t go to Ivy league but we aren’t stupid.
    • Ken July 14, 2011 at 4:29 pm
      Think you missed the point. Would you rather that Alderson say “Hey, we’re clearly out of the Wild Card, so Beltran is available for whatever someone throws our way.” ?
  3. SiddFinch July 14, 2011 at 9:50 am
    The Rangers are a team I would add to the list. Doubtful both Hamilton and Cruz will stay healthy for the rest of the season. One, or both will probably see some DL time. Even if they don’t Texas could use another bat down the stretch.

    They could move Michael Young to 1B against lefties, Carlos could split time with Cruz between RF-DH. He’s been healthy so CF isn’t out of the question. Hamilton-Beltran-Cruz would be a pretty formidable OF.

    The Rangers are an aggressive team, they will be looking to bolster their team for the playoffs. An added plus is that the Rangers have several strong pitching prospects like Martin Perez or Neil Ramirez.

    A trade for Beltran would also keep Texas from rushing Leonys Martin to the majors before he’s completely

  4. CatchDog July 14, 2011 at 9:51 am
    The AL Central is up for grabs the second half. That said, the Tigers could be a good fit. And never count out the White Sox. Kenny Williams is about as unpredictable as Ozzie.

    I believe Sandy could have himself a nice bidding war. And the sweet thing is Tron doesn’t have to go at the July deadline. With 6 mil owed on July 31, he could be a late August waiver deal.

    Although Tron’s future is in the AL, I’d love for the Mets to grab either Zach Wheeler or Gary Brown from the Giants.

    http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wheele001zac

    http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brown-005gar

  5. Mike July 14, 2011 at 10:11 am
    I think the biggest reason Beltran might not get traded is if the Mets get within 5 games of the Braves at the end of July.

    More likely he is traded because the Mets have the best chip at the table and are publicly saying they want an A prospect. Is it possible they overplay their hand? Yes, but if they have to settle on A- they will. Beltran is as good as gone as soon as the right deal is presented.

  6. isuzudude July 14, 2011 at 11:52 am
    I apologize if this has already been mentioned as I’ve been out of the loop for some time.

    If I have my facts straight, the caveat with Beltran’s contract is that the Mets are prohibited from offering him arbitration when the season is over if they retain him for the remainder of 2011, which means the Mets cannot be awarded a draft pick if Beltran declines the arbitration offer and signs elsewhere. This may provide Sandy with extra incentive to trade Carlos before season’s end just to net something in return for him, regardless of how close the Mets get to a playoff spot between now and July 31.

    • Joe Janish July 14, 2011 at 10:00 pm
      ‘dude, your facts are straight; that is exactly the situation, which is why it makes sense for Sandy to get something in return for Beltran rather than let him walk away and get nothing.
  7. NormE July 14, 2011 at 12:46 pm
    If Alderson feels that he is not getting value in return for Beltran he may not trade him. At the end of the season he could bid for Carlos if he feel that it’s worthwhile keeping him.
    That depends on wether or not the Mets project as a contender in 2012. I do admit that this scenario is very unlikely.
  8. hart July 14, 2011 at 2:47 pm
    Surprised how many people seem to be buying into the possibility that Alderson might keep Beltran for a playoff push, whereas it seems pretty clear to me that it’s pure posturing on his part. Ideally, he’ll play several suitors off against each other and enhance what we get in return. I hope it gets done soon, rather than risk some sort of setback.
    • gary s. July 14, 2011 at 9:40 pm
      This team has 3 infield all star players injured and all are question marks to play much in 2nd half.We just traded our closer and u folks think we will make a playoff push?Trade beltran for a prospect before his knees go.