Report: Giants Iffy On Trading Top Prospect For Mets' Carlos Beltran
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Like closer Brian Wilson, the Giants apparently want Mets slugger Carlos Beltran in San Francisco.
They just don't want to part with any top prospects for him.
The defending World Series champions, according to the New York Daily News, would be "willing to assume most or all" of Beltran's remaining salary, around $6 million.
The catch: San Francisco doesn't want to deal a potential star for the outfielder, who would be just a half-season rental, the paper reported.
Beltran played what was likely his final game at Citi Field in a Mets uniform Thursday. The team starts a 10-game road trip Friday and won't return until August 1 -- one day after the July 31 trading deadline.
"I heard the fans cheering," Beltran said after the Mets' loss. "It was great. Let's hope I can come back."
Not likely for the cash-strapped Mets.
The Phillies, in danger of crossing the luxury tax threshold, are also in the mix for Beltran. According to the Daily News, Philadelphia would be more likely to accept cash and deal a big-time prospect -- like outfielder Domonic Brown, perhaps?
While Beltran hasn't always been the most popular player with fans — many never being able to completely forgive him for striking out looking to end the 2006 NLCS against the Cardinals — he's given the team good production for its money. After signing as a free agent, he made the All-Star team five times with the Mets and hit 149 homers, despite missing much of the previous two seasons with knee injuries.
"I've always had a good relation with the fans," he said. "I'm just here to play the game of baseball, and also the fans relate to some players better than others, but I have no issues with the fans."
The 34-year-old voluntarily moved from center to right field this season, but otherwise has gone back to being one of the National League's top hitters. He has 15 homers, 61 RBIs and an NL-leading 30 doubles, making him the most attractive hitter on the market.
"The time that I have been here, I have given everything that I have for this team, for this organization," he said. "So I feel proud for everything that I have done and I have no regrets."
What kind of package to you expect in exchange for Beltran? Mets fans, be heard in the comments below...
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