" Where will he land - and will we be happy ?"
Yesterday Twitter was all a buzz with speculation from baseball beat reporters, and fans alike in regards to where Carlos Beltran would land if Sandy Alderson and the Mets decide to trade Carlos Beltran.
So far it looks like the teams that are showing the most interest in Beltran are the Giants, Rangers, Red Sox, Pirates, Braves and Phillies.
The mere mention of both the Braves and Phillies sent many a Mets fan into a lather, and in some respects I can’t blame them. I mean would you want to trade one of your best players to a division rival who will more than likely make it into the post season ? Especially when both teams have been our arch rivals in varying degrees over the past two decades ?
But sometimes we as fans have to swallow our pride and see the bigger picture. Yes trading Beltran to either of these two teams will sting like a swarm of African Killer Bees, but if we get a top tier quality prospect in return that in a couple of seasons will end up a superstar – and quite possible sticking a knife into the oppositions heart when they are in the same position that we are in now – wouldn’t you jump at that chance ?
I know there are many people that think Phillies outfielder , Domonic Brown would be the obvious choice of the Phillies to be imported over here, but I honestly feel that this team has better outfield prospects that pitching prospects – and if you believe all the Minor League Scouting blogs, that’s not saying much. If the Mets did trade Beltran to either the Phillies or Brave, I would hope and expect a close to Major League ready top notch pitching prospect such as Mike Minor of the Braves. He has nasty stuff, and could be the next David Cone.
If I had my druthers I would rather see Carlos end up with either the Giants or the Rangers. Both have very deep farm systems and I feel that the Mets could only benefit from a deal with them.
All in all I trust that Sandy Alderson will do whats best for the Mets in the long run. He truly may be the best general manager that the Mets have had since Frank Cashen. He is not afraid to make the right moves, no matter the outcry from the fan base.
So where would you like to see Beltran traded to – and what prospect(s) do you feel would be a fair haul ?
And with that said….. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!!
Sadly on this date in 2009, Mets starter and occasional middle reliever, Carl Willey passed away at the age of 78. He pitched with the Mets from ’63-’65, and had a career record of 10-18 with a 3.29 E.R.A,
Mo Vaughn will try to crash tonight Mets broadcast in the Pepsi Porch tonight. Sources report that he is upset with Keith Hernandez because they wont make a quadruple pattie Keith Burger !!!!
23 comments
Anonymous
7/20/2011-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
If they are trading beltran, 2011 is essentially irrelevant. And he only impacts the new team this season.
So, I don’t care where he goes. I just want to see the best prospect package coming back.
Besides, if he goes to the Braves, Phils or Yankess, you can stop worrying that his knee won’t hold up!
MetsFan4Decades
7/20/2011-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
From what I’m reading the Giants are a long shot. They’ve been quoted as saying they don’t want to give up prospects and would rather just take on his salary. To me, they’ve pretty much taken themselves out of the running as they should understand this isn’t a salary dump for the Mets – it’s all about getting something in return.
I don’t think the Philies are a good fit either. I’d just assume pass on Brown. He hasn’t handled ML pitching yet at all. His defense in RF is awful and he’s got a weak arm. Irrational though it may be I’d just assume not send Philly any help. I’d have no problem if the trade was with the Braves though. They’ve got some fine pitching prospects.
They should be looking to get back a pitcher or catcher in return. I think this might go down to the wire. There’s really no hurry to get it done before 31 July, he’s the best bat available so might as well let them all ‘bid’ against each other on this.
TRS86
7/20/2011-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
First I want him to be traded to the team that gives the best prospect. After that I really don’t care. We are not competing this year and chances are he’s not signing with the team that gets him. So if it is the phillies or braves, just make sure the bounty is high. That being said, I don’t see in way in hell you are getting Brown. As Mets fans it might be important to stay grounded and just trust Sandy. It does not have to be a prospect everyone has heard of just one he belivies will help the Mets become a contender in the future.
rustyjr
7/20/2011-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
Totally agree
This will not be a Billy Wagner for Chris Carter deal
Anonymous
7/20/2011-12:47pm at 12:47 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. The Phillies didn’t give up Brown for Halladay or Lee. So I don’t see them giving him up for Beltran unless they see something in Brown that they don’t like.
We are also forgetting the fact that Beltran has the full no trade clause. This means that teams like the Pirates or Indians are out of the picture. I also think Beltran might not waive his NTC for the Phillies. Beltran is not the most liked guy in Philly and Beltran knows that.
I still think there’s 50-50 chance that he stays with the team especially if you can get a comp pick for him.
MetsFan4Decades
7/20/2011-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
Also: congrats to Josh Thole on the birth of his first child.
TC said on the post game last night he’d be back there tonight. I guess it’s just as well Nickeas never made it out of Buffalo and they kept Tejada for one more night.
rustyjr
7/20/2011-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
Nicky will be up if Alderson trades Paulino
SaltyGary
7/20/2011-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
Wow bad move for Thole not sticking around and helping the wife for at least a day or two. She will be able to use that against him for a LOOONG time. I think the only way out for him is if he turns his game around and scores a decent contract.
MetsFan4Decades
7/20/2011-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting post on MLBTR this morning regarding Beltran.
Mets gave him a short list of teams yesterday to consider regarding a trade. Speculation if east coast teams seem to have an edge since Carlos lives in NY.
Anonymous
7/20/2011-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
IMO Beltran wants to go to the BoSox. It’s close to NY and yet they are not immediate rivals. I just don’t know what the BoSox would give up for him.
Anonymous
7/20/2011-1:26pm at 1:26 pm (UTC -4)
Anywhere there is a playoff chance to showcase that he can still be a force, thus getting a 2-3 year contract for the final hurrah is what he’s looking for. Any port in a storm.
SaltyGary
7/20/2011-1:27pm at 1:27 pm (UTC -4)
I would bet the Sox or Phils are his top choice. Both stadiums would suit him well to do another post season romp and score one more contract. I can also see the Phils being really aggressive on this. Victorino has had so many issues this year, that they need someone to go in Center or Right depending on the day.
MetsFan4Decades
7/20/2011-1:34pm at 1:34 pm (UTC -4)
Over on MLB:
Alderson said he would love to have traveled to Cooperstown, N.Y., this
weekend for the Hall of Fame induction of fellow GM Pat Gillick, in
particular, but he can’t. Gillick is going in Sunday, with second
baseman Roberto Alomar and pitcher Bert Blyleven. But Alderson said he
needs to stay close to the phone and closer to the office — just in
case. Still, on Tuesday night, Alderson sounded like a man who has yet
to give up on a season that has 66 games remaining for his team.
“We’re getting some players back,” he said. “We got Jose back tonight.
We had Carlos back in the lineup for the first time in three days. We’ll
get David Wright back on Friday. Things are looking up in Mets land.”
So the jury is still out, Alderson acknowledged with a smile and an
affirmative nod. But it will be an anxious 12 days around Mets land
until that jury comes back in.
*****************
Sounds like it won’t be long now.
MetsFan4Decades
7/20/2011-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
Heyman is tweeting his early pick for Beltran is Philly.
Not sure what they’ve got. I have to assume they’re not giving up Brown nor Singleton. Think they’re better touted prospects are in lower A ball right now.
oleosmirf
7/20/2011-4:41pm at 4:41 pm (UTC -4)
I might be the only one, but I WANT the Mets to trade Beltran to Philly or Atlanta.
I would rather see Beltran play 2-3 months for our rival if it means one of their young stars plays for us for 5+ years…
Mo Miller
7/20/2011-4:50pm at 4:50 pm (UTC -4)
Good piece. Would only trade him unless the Mets get in return a major league ready outfielder or starting pitcher. I highly doubt the Phillies or the Braves would trade their top prospect in the division, when push comes to shove though, teams do what they must.
SaltyGary
7/20/2011-4:56pm at 4:56 pm (UTC -4)
Link that Rubin posted in his chat about the Mets picks. Names in bold have signed. He also stated that only 1-16 top picks have signed so far and the deadline is 08/15.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2011xteam.php?team=1013
Anonymous
7/20/2011-5:06pm at 5:06 pm (UTC -4)
This is totally crazy idea, but if I were Sandy, I would push hard to get Ubaldo as well. Do a 3-way deal with the Phillies where the Mets send Beltran & some prospects, Phillies send Brown, Rockies send Ubaldo.
So Mets get Ubaldo
Phillies get Beltran
Rockies get Brown and Mets prospects.
I know there’s no point in getting Ubaldo this season, but have you seen his contract??
Mo Miller
7/20/2011-5:32pm at 5:32 pm (UTC -4)
No way Phillies would ever do that. Also, we have to let our system rebuild not destroy it more.
SaltyGary
7/20/2011-6:10pm at 6:10 pm (UTC -4)
Exactly, the Mets are trying to get prospects not let them go. Unless someones really wants Evans. And Ubaldo is only going if Colorado can rake in.
longrock
7/20/2011-10:45pm at 10:45 pm (UTC -4)
All along the scary year for the Mets will be next year after the potential gutting of the core. They are winni ng with spit and glue already and could lose Reyes, will trade Beltran and whoever else they let go. I’d love to see them just make a run this year because the next 4-5 years are going to be long one’s. Come to think of it, might as well just start rebuilding right away. Get young quick. Sometimes B-C prospects work out just fine.
Anonymous
7/21/2011-12:40am at 12:40 am (UTC -4)
4-5 years is an eon in MLB. no reason to think that they have to be long ones for the Mets. Especially if Reyes comes back.
Anonymous
7/21/2011-1:30am at 1:30 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I can’t see this team not competing in 2013. Assuming they sign Reyes, and choices will have to be made with Wright, but you’ll figure the rotation will be Harvey, Niese, Gee and Mejia and some of the position players that are on the way (Havens, Flores, others), the future is not dark. Plus $ will start to free up and “in Alderson we trust” with free agents.
But to Longrock’s point, if Reyes goes, it’s going to be a not nice next year or 2. Not horrible, but not as nice as it could be.