Beltran Swinging For DH Role?

The New York Mets ailing right fielder was the center of a spirited debate during Tuesday’s live chat. What is the future of Carlos Beltran, and does it involve hanging up his glove forever?

Beltran grew up a fantastic athlete with a passion for multiple sports, including volleyball. At the advice of his father, he focused on baseball, earning the label of five-tool prospect with the Kansas City Royals. Breaking into the major leagues in 1998, Beltran’s played 13 seasons and, at his peak, was arguably one of the best centerfielders to play the game.

He was putting on another show in 2009, when bone bruises in his right knee forced him to miss most of the second half. In January 2010, Beltran underwent surgery on the knee, allegedly to the surprise of team officials. He returned in the second half that year, putting up very pedestrian numbers. And now this spring, he developed tendonitis in his left knee that’s forced him off the field temporarily and reopened concerns for many.

Now at the ripe age of 33, he’ll turn 34 next month, it’s hardly a forgone conclusion to say Beltran’s best days are behind him. But how much time has age and knee injuries sucked from his remaining major league days?

Despite his reputation as “soft” among some, Beltran only one failed to get more than 100 at-bats in his 13 seasons – his rookie year. He’s also earned five-time All-Star selections, two Silver Sluggers, three Golden Gloves and five MVP considerations. His career average line includes a .282 batting average, .359 OBP, .853 OPS, 35 doubles, 7 triples, 28 home runs, 106 RBI and 29 stolen bases.

Beltran’s last full season came in 2008 when he manned centerfield in 161 games. He hit for a .284 clip, .376 OBP and .876 OPS with 27 home runs, 112 RBI and 25 stolen bases. The first half of 2009 also looked promising, with the Mets star boasting a .336 average and 8 home runs when he was sidelined.

His 2010 numbers were as different as night and day. Beltran, who played his first game on July 15, sported just a .255 batting average, .341 OBP, .768 OPS, 11 doubles, 3 triples, 7 home runs, 27 RBI and 3 stolen bases.

Clearly his knee woes are the source of his lack of production and playing time. Beltran showed up at camp with sound bytes of felling healthy and being a regular player again. He looked promising in his first appearance, 1-for-3 and sliding into home plate to score a run as the designated hitter against the Red Sox on March 6. Manager Terry Collins gave him the next day off after the right fielder said he was “sore in a good way.” Without warning he was diagnosed with tendonitis and has yet to return to the lineup – he is due to come back later this week.

Ceding centerfield to a younger, healthier Angel Pagan will probably keep Beltran on the field longer, but what if the 33-year-old didn’t have to take the field at all? Beltran’s bat certainly has some potent potential and the base-stealing speed may still be there. Why not ship him off to an AL team as a DH?

During the discussion on Tuesday, there was some mention that no team would take on an $18 million question mark as a DH. But compare Beltran to hitters for respected designated hitters and it’s clear he could compete. Boston’s David Ortiz, for example, hit 32 home runs and picked up 102 RBI in 2010 while Detroit’s Victor Martinez had .302 average and 20 home runs last year. Ortiz, 35, and Martinez, 32, are making $12.5 and $12 million, respectively, this year.

Beltran could even be an upgrade for several teams this year. The Angels have Bobby Abreu signed for $9 million, but he hit for .255 and struck out 132 times while hitting his 20 home runs and stealing 24 bases in 2010. Seattle’s Jack Cust crushed a combined 38 home runs in the past two years, but only 13 came in 2010 for the $2.5 million player. Future hall of famer Jim Thome swatted 25 home runs for Minnesota last year, but he’s 40-years-old and can’t have much left in the tank after 20 seasons. The Texas Rangers could be another suitor as former infielder Michael Young is occupying the DH hole amid trade rumors; Young costs $16 million and hit for .284 with 21 home runs last year.

Another scenario also came to light during the live chat, moving Beltran to first base. Obviously not possible with phenom Ike Davis, this would also require a trade. Certainly Beltran’s .282 average and 28 home runs can’t compare to the beast that is Albert Pujols, but who can? However, the 33-year-old does stack up nicely against other big names. The Brewers’ Prince Fielder hit .261 with 32 home runs and an .872 OPS while commanding $15.5 million in 2010, the Yankees’ Mark Texiera crushed 33 home runs with a .256 average and .846 OPS for $22.5 million and Minnesota’s Michael Cuddyer hit .271 with 14 home runs and a .753 OPS for $10.5 million.

Regardless what position Beltran plays, even if it’s back to centerfield, the Mets will likely have to pony up serious money in any trade, more if they want something back. Beltran cannot be offered arbitration in 2011 either – no compensatory draft picks.