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Charlie "Chuck" Beltran"Leader in the clubhouse" is different from "pushing hardest." Concerning any trade piece, the Rangers are in the talks because they have the prospects to make just about any move. But to be "pushing hard" means the Rangers are more into this than any other competitor and maybe even the Mets. Beltran himself has stated a preference for the National League and has a no-trade clause.
Here are my questions:
Why do the Rangers want Beltran?
The Rangers have one of the best offenses and defensive outfields in the league, so this one is a mystery. Beltran's speed is no longer there, but his power is still there (30 doubles, 15 homers this year). He also walks a lot (58 this year, 92 his last full year) and doesn't strike out a lot. He's a smart hitter. Not overly explosive or exciting as when he was younger. He's not a monumental improvement defensively. In fact, he's stated that he doesn't want to move from right field (where he was moved to this season to reduce wear and tear on the knees) to center. If the Rangers have any holes, it might be an everyday centerfielder. That's really the only reason I think the Rangers would want him, but he doesn't really want to go there.
Where does he play? Where do you stick him in the line-up?
Again, I would assume the Rangers want him in center. He wants to be in right where Nelson Cruz isn't going anywhere. He also doesn't want to DH. Seems like between Endy Chavez, Craig Gentry and Josh Hamilton, the Rangers have center covered. As of right now, does Beltran crack the top six in the batting order. Things are cooking offensively and moving pieces around now seems potentially detrimental. At best, he bats seventh behind Cruz. The Rangers don't need protection for Hamilton and the top of the line-up (Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus) is set. Isn't making sense.
What are the Rangers admitting with their fervent interest in Beltran?
If the Rangers think they are lacking offensively, then they are seeing a different team from the rest of us. My only thought is that acquiring Beltran -- a switch hitter -- might address the struggles against left-handed pitching. Unfortunately, Beltran's hitting .232 against lefties. I do think they are admitting that Chavez and Gentry are not long-term or even short-term solution for centerfield and going into a playoff run, they can't be trusted. Also, the Rangers might be looking for versatility in the line-up, instead of playing lefty-righty match-ups from night to night. Again, I don't know.
Is Beltran just a loser?
Beltran is five-tool talent playing in his 14 MLB season and -- with a trade -- his fourth team. He's been on two playoff teams (Houston in 2004, Mets in 2006). He is not known for his career (he'll reach 300 homers, 400 doubles this season) or the way he played as much as the huge contract he got out of the Mets and the injuries that ate up a good chunk of his career. He's 34 and already changing positions to save his body and in a couple of years, he'll be with another two teams and probably DHing in the American League. It should also be noted that Beltran is in his final year of that Mets contract. He will be a free agent at the end of the year. There's a good chance that he would play his final four months (or so) with the Rangers and walk. No matter how good or bad he was, it'd be just like Cliff Lee.
What are the Rangers really looking at?
I suspect, again, an everyday centerfielder. I also think they've seen Beltran's post-season numbers. In four series, he's batted .366 with a 1.302 OPS. In 22 post-season games, he has 31 runs, 11 homers and 19 RBI. Seems like a short-sighted reason to make a move.
What will he cost?
Tried to find a comparison trade and failed. One executive said the Mets won't get a top-40 prospect for Beltran, so you assume that excludes Jurickson Profar and Martin Perez (at least) from the equation. Ken Davidoff seconded this opinion, noting the Mets will need to opt for "quantity over quality." Do you start a package off with Julio Borbon and/or Chris Davis? Is Tommy Mendonca or Michael Bianucci (good, but not great, Double A talent) long-term stays for the Rangers? What are opinions on Robbie Ross, Rob Erlin, Barret Loux and Tanner Scheppers? Honestly, I don't think that Beltran will cost a lot in terms of high-quality prospects. He's basically going to be a rental player who is 34 years old and could go down to injury at any moment. The last thing any team wants to do is overpay and force the Mets to take what is offered.
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