A couple people have asked my thoughts on Beltran's impending return and how it will impact the team.
- First off, if he is good enough to play back-to-back games in center field right now, then he should be playing for the Mets in NY not in Port St Lucie.
- He will have a positive impact on the team's morale and may force some manager's/pitchers to change how they attack the Mets line-up due to the added "depth".
- This will be short-lived as they will soon realize that the #15 that is on the field now is not the same #15 of 2-3 years ago.
- I'm not expecting Beltran to hit for much power, but he will have a good eye, and be able to hit for a .280/.290 average.
- I am not confident that Beltran will play a better defensive center field than Pagan is playing, so this may actually make the team weaker when he's in the line-up.
- He will not have an impact on the bases. He will continue to be a smart base-runner, occasionally picking up an extra base, but he won't be able to steal a base if needed.
- Summary: I have very low expectations for Beltran when he does return, and I would temper your expectations until we see other wise at the major league level.
I do agree with Beltran not hitting for much power but it is "LENGTH" in the line-up that our leader speaks about. Pagan is a godsend for the METS, and should be rewarded for this year. He is batting .370 with RISP...what does he get?? a platoon role...that makes sense...I think you move Pagan around the outfield but he is a MUST in this line up..When will Manuel wake up and see that without Pagan the "LENGTH" is about as long as his gray haired beard.
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