Yardbarker: Carlos Beltran

Rumors: Beltran on the block........

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:38:17 -0500

The rumors have been flying after Mike Silva's NY Baseball Digest show Wed night. Frank Russo from The Deadball Era said that his sources have said that Mets are listening to Carlos Beltran offers (Inquiries) and one rumor scenario has him going to the Yankees for Robinson Cano, Ian Kennedy, Brian Bruney and/or Jose Veres, and another low level prospect. He also said that this would free up money for the Mets to go after K-Rod.....

The problem with that is the Mets will be left without a center fielder, and one that displays plus defensive skills and can hit with his power. Let's face it, he is one of the best center fielders in both leagues...

It will also leave us with Robinson Cano, who can hit but can't field his position. The Mets need better defense at that spot. Orlando Hudson is much better to fill that void. Who is Ian Kennedy? The next savior for the Mets.... I do not believe he will solve anything for the Mets... If thats the case put Jon Niese in the rotation.

Brian Bruney and Jose Veres will not be great additions, the Mets need to get something better than that... If the Yankees can give Prospect Outfielder Austin Jackson in the deal, you might not shake your head at it.. But that not going to happen..

So basically the Mets will get Beltran for Cano and a cast of players the Yankees would love to unload.

If the Mets are shopping Beltran, I would shop him for Roy Halladay and Alex Rios. The Mets would have to give up something else, who I would include is Aaron Heilman and some other prospect.......The Blue Jays have Adam Lind and Travis Snider to go along with Vernon Wells in the outfield.

The Salaries would be close about $4 Million apart. Beltran makes $18 Million, Halladay makes roughly $10 Million and Rios Makes $4.85 Million. Rios would serve as a viable replacement in center field, who is young and has some pop. Plus you get one of the best starters in the AL who will take pressure off the bullpen because he can eat up innings.... I can live with that!

All this is a rumor, but what do you think? Make Comments.

Rumors: Beltran on the block........

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:38:17 -0500

Out of the Box outfield idea.....

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:20:53 -0500

Much the same as I remember Ken Griffey Jr. with that infectious smile, bounding through the outfield in Seattle so are my initial memories of Andruw Jones. He was signed at 16 y/o and playing in the majors by 1996 where he was the youngest player to ever hit a home run in a World Series game. Although he made some incredible catches against us and had some clutch hits my venom for him never reach the same level as his teammate "Larry".

There's no hiding that Jones has had two very bad years, but I just don't buy that a guy talented enough to play since he was 19 y/o is done at 31 y/o ( call me naive). The first season I can right off to the emotional factor of a season long divorce between himself and the Braves, for someone who's basically grown up in an organization it had to have an impact. They sent a clear message to him that they no longer wanted him, there wasn't a prospect in the wings they went out and traded for Mark Kotsay (now with Boston). So his 2007 year in which he batted .222 with 94 RBIs and 26 HRs I can right off. But I have no explanation for this year where the Dodgers basically DLed him so they didn't eat his contract. He had his knee scoped and struggled with discomfort all season ( sounds like Castillo). Jones hit .158 in 75 gms with 3 HRs and 14 RBIs. Jones has definitely hit rock bottom but as I said before at one year older then Carlos Beltran I just can't believe he's done.......

Technically, Jones was disabled for the third time this year with tendinitis in his right knee, which also underwent arthroscopic surgery, a condition not needing surgery but extended rest. Realistically, the move was made to facilitate Saito's return without costing the Dodgers a player. source MLB.com

The Mets need a left fielder and a right handed bat, they also need to find a team stuck in a bad contract to swap Luis Castillo.

Jones is owed 18 mil for next season which is basically what is owed Castillo only over 3 years. It appears that the Dodgers could let Nomar and Kent retire at the end of the season. The current 3B Casey Blake is a free agent who the Dodgers will look to sign but after his contributions down the stretch will make him a hot commodity. Blake Dewitt is playing 2B but is a natural 3B who moved over when he was recalled after Blake had already come aboard. Castillo still has a great OBP, he could fill 2B and the clubhouse veteran spot.

At the least Jones would get Castillo out of New York, where he isn't a good fit and then be off the books next year. Most of us don't remember this but Jones played corner outfield when he first came up in 1996-1997 and if I remember correctly his defense was solid last year. You couldn't get any better defensively then an outfield of Beltran, Jones and Church with Chavy as the back-up.

If Jones can find his stroke he would be a solid right handed bat in the middle of the order. That's a huge if and benching him would mean the revolving door of Tatis, Pagan, Murphy and Evans in left again.

In 2004 Jones had what he considered a mediocre season and decided to work all off-season on improving offensively. The results were a BA .263 with 24 2B, 51 HRs and 128 RBIs while being discussed as an MVP candidate all season (ended up 2nd).

Jones came into this season with an altered stance, feet wider, hands repositioned after working all winter with teammates Eddie Perez and John Smoltz. He was determined to improve upon last season's so-so production of 29 homers, 91 RBIs, a .261 batting average, and a most troubling 147 strikeouts. source Chattanooga.com 9/20/05

That same determination that produced his 2005 season appears to be in the works this off-season. Jones is preparing to play winter ball to get himself ready for spring training, I can't remember the last time a star that big played winter ball. Jones wants to be a starter and I'm not sure if the Dodgers have room for him. That contract is going to be very hard to move and the Dodgers will have to find a team with one just as bad ( Castillo). With healthy knees, a winter of hitting under his belt and back in the familiar NL east would Jones be worth the risk...............

Signed by the Dodgers to a two-year, $36.2-million deal last winter, Jones said he is preparing his surgically repaired knee to play in the Dominican Republic in December. The last time he played winter ball was in 1996.

"I had a bad season and a terrible season back-to-back," Jones said. "I have to have a great season and show people I have baseball left in me."
"I'm an everyday guy or I need to move out," he said. source LA Times

Commenting on the stupidest trade proposal ever

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:43:48 -0500

Honestly, who concocts these miserable trade ideas? The latest "rumor" out on the web has the Mets trading away Carlos Beltran to the Yankees in return for Robinson Cano, Brian Bruney or Jose Veras, Ian Kennedy, and another prospect or two and some cash.

Let the Trade Rumors Begin

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:20:59 -0500

According to Peter Abraham and Rob Neyer, the Yankees and Mets have discussed a blockbuster trade. This trade would send centerfielder Carlos Beltran to the Yankees and move second baseman Robinson Cano, reliever Jose Veras (or Brian Bruney), starting pitcher Ian Kennedy, and another Yankees' prospect to the Mets. Although this would be a great trade for the Yankees (with the exception of having to find a second baseman), I do not see this one happening, as the Mets would be giving up an all-star centerfielder for some players that can hopefully live up to their potential. Don't forget to check out the blog at pinstripespublished.blogspot.com

Beltran for Cano...?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:29:16 -0500

Omar Minaya said that he was going to be creative this year in building a team that could make it over the hump and into the playoffs. Could that plan include moving Carlos Beltran, according to Frank Russo the Mets are shopping Beltran and might even be looking to the Yanks for a deal.

It just doesn't make sense to me, the Mets don't have a legitimate replacement and would have to make another move. In-house they could put weak hitting Endy Chavez or lose some range with Ryan Church but one would down grade the offense while the other isn't gold glove caliber in center. The most appealing free agent center fielder would be Rocco Baldelli but he needs a lot of rest due to his illness.

Beltran isn't perfect he can drive you nuts with his percentages of healthiness and his streaky hitting along with not being a vocal leader. But he is clutch and this year I thought took great strides with his leadership and grittiness. I'm not a big untouchables guy but I can't see downgrading such a significant part of the team.......

Frank Russo, on New York Baseball Digest Radio's Yankee Special, mentioned that his connections have shared that the Mets are accepting inquiries for Carlos Beltran. And, further, according to Russo, his sources have also shared that there's a rumor of a possible deal between the Mets and Yankees which would breakdown as follows:
Carlos Beltran from the Mets to the Yankees in exchange for Robinson Cano (with the Yankees taking on most of Cano's contract), either Jose Veras or Brian Bruney, Ian Kennedy, and another prospect from the Yankees system. source Was watching
.

Beltran for Cano...?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:29:16 -0500

Mets Shopping Beltran?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:43:30 -0500

According to Frank Russo of the NY Baseball Digest, the Mets are willing to listen to offers about outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran, who hit .284 with 27 HR and 25 SB, was right on par with his career numbers. He mentions the Yankees as a possible suitor, who would package a deal including Robinson Cano, Ian Kennedy, and two other prospects. However, Rob Neyer breaks down that trade and shows that the only legitimate player they would receive would be Robinson Cano.

If the Mets are serious about trading Beltran, they would be smart to call the Cubs, who pursued the outfielder back in 2004 before he signed with the Mets. The Cubs would have to give up a couple solid prospects, perhaps Tyler Colvin, Sean Marshall, and Wellington Castillo, along with another player, but he would give them the power hitting lefty (switch-hitter) they need in their lineup.

If the Rockies are able to unload Matt Holliday or Garrett Atkins, they could use a prospect or two from that deal, along with one of their own prospects, maybe Dexter Fowler, to land Beltran. However, Taylor Buchholz or Ubaldo Jimenez would have to be included. Both have established themselves in the majors and could help the Mets in 2009. Losing Fuentes and Holliday will take some burden off their payroll, so they could easily take on his salary, which would probably be supported by the Mets.

This sounds like a "video-game scenario," but it is in the realm of possibility with young prospect Fernando Martinez waiting in the wings. The Mets want to reach the playoffs, and trading an All-Star for a bunch of prospects doesn't make sense at the moment.

We'll see what happens.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Reflections....

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:19:47 -0500

Some thoughts on the past season of New York Mets baseball, now that the dust has settled a bit.

It's Official, Minaya gets a extension

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:06:56 -0500

Omar Minaya, the man most responsible for shaping the Mets' roster and their future, has been rewarded with a contract extension.

Minaya was appointed as general manager and executive vice president of baseball operations nearly four years ago. He has one year remaining on his current five-year contract, and the extension will take it through 2012 with clubs options for the following two season. The announcement was made on a Thursday morning conference call.

The Mets have produced a winning record in each of their four seasons under Minaya's leadership, winning 83, 97 and 88 games under the GM's chosen manager, Willie Randolph. New York won 89 games this season, achieved with Randolph managing 69 games before being replaced by Jerry Manuel.

The club reached the seventh game of the National League Championship Series in the 2006 season, losing the decisive Game 7 at Shea Stadium to the Cardinals. The Mets were eliminated from the postseason on the final day each of the last two seasons.

Under Minaya, the Mets have spent lavishly to bring in players such as Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran and Johan Santana.

Manuel to change the Mets selfish ways........

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:06:54 -0500

Jerry Manuel is vowing to change the Mets' selfish, stat-first ways.
Manuel made that clear yesterday after the Mets formally lifted his tag as interim manager with a two-year contract that includes a club option for 2011.

Speaking to reporters in an afternoon conference call, Manuel repeatedly emphasized he will preach a totally different mindset than the Mets are used to when spring training rolls around.

"What we have to establish for me with this team is that the game takes priority over the individual," Manuel said.

Manuel, who was 55-38 after taking over for the fired Willie Randolph on June 17, said too many of the team's core players emphasized their own statistics rather than making simpler, more fundamental plays.
That selfishness can make the difference in a team reaching the playoffs, Manuel said, and not sitting at home as the Mets are now doing after back-to-back choke jobs on the final day of the season.

"We have to get to the point where, when stuff is on the line, the correct thing is second nature for us and not a struggle for us," Manuel said. "That's the difference between a good year and a great year."
Manuel didn't cite any specifics, but David Wright's notorious ninth-inning strikeout Sept. 24 after a 3-0 count by the Cubs' Bob Howry was a prime example of a Met trying to be the hero unnecessarily.

Wright's failure to put the ball in play with a runner on third and less than two outs illustrated the Mets' season-long struggles at the plate in key situations. The Mets were near the bottom of the league in batting average with runners in scoring position, hitting just .254.

To Manuel, numbers like that overshadowed the otherwise terrific individual season on offense put together by Wright and fellow cornerstones Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado.

Source:NY Post

Fantasy Baseball 2008 Roundup

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:39:55 -0500

It was quite an eventful 2008 season for fantasy baseball managers. From the rise of Cliff Lee and Carlos Quentin to the fall of Erik Bedard and Victor Martinez, there was no shortage of events to talk about. But now that the 2008 season is over, how will looking back help you look forward? Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon explains.

Manuel to change the Mets selfish ways........

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:44:54 -0500

Looking at the roster....

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:53:35 -0500

Ok, here's a closer look at the 40 man roster, without changing the core of the team there will still be a significant change to the roster......

Free agents this year:

Pedro Martinez, Oliver Perez, Orlando Hernandez, Luis Ayala, Nelson Figueroa, Brandon Knight, Ricardo Rincon, Al Reyes, Tony Armas, Matt Wise,

Damion Easley, Fernando Tatis, Moises Alou, Gustavo Molina, Ramon Martinez, Argenis Reyes, Trot Nixon

Option Year:

Carlos Delgado

Under Contract:

Johan Santana, Scott Schoeneweis, Mike Pelfrey, Billy Wagner ( 60 day)

Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro, Luis Castillo, David Wright, Jose Reyes, Marlon Anderson, Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez

Arbitration years:

John Maine, Ryan Church, Angel Pagan, Aaron Heilman, Duaner Sanchez, Pedro Feliciano

Under Control(option players):

Adam Bostick, Ambiorix Burgos, Eddie Kunz, Carlos Muniz, Jonathan Niese, Bobby Parnell, Joe Smith, Jason Vargas, Nick Evans, Daniel Murphy

Of the group of free agents the only ones I see that have a chance of getting a major league contract is Luis Ayala, Tatis and maybe Damion Easley. The rest will move on or get minor league deals with invites, I believe Ollie will out price himself. As they already indicated Delgado will be pick-up. Those under contract Castillo, Anderson and Schoenweis have to go and I could see one of the catchers moving for a more durable or offensive minded player. Arby player, Heilman has to be moved and Sanchez might go as well.

When all is said and done under my estimation 14 players without options will be returning with the 10 option players on the 40 man roster. So with Santana, Maine, Pelfrey, Feliciano, Ayala, Delgado, Wright, Reyes, Beltran, Church, Pagan, Tatis, Chavez, Schnieder staying and Castro, Sanchez and Easley on the ropes. That doesn't include guys like Smith, Parnell, Murphy, Evans and Niese who have options but could or will make the team. Even without making a drastic move the Mets roster this year will look significantly different.

It's Official, Minaya gets a extension

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:17:38 -0500

Omar Minaya, the man most responsible for shaping the Mets' roster and their future, has been rewarded with a contract extension.

Under Minaya, the Mets have spent lavishly to bring in players such as Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran and Johan Santana.