Carlos Beltran Trade: Why New York Mets Fans Should Be Thrilled

Arguably the best hitter available leading into the 2011 MLB trade deadline was the New York Mets' outfielder Carlos Beltran, who will now be wearing orange and black as opposed to orange and blue.

Throughout all the rumors and speculation, whenever Carlos Beltran came up, the San Francisco Giants name wasn't far behind. Analysts explained how the Giants needed a bat the caliber of the former Houston Astro and how they were the perfect trade partner for the Mets, due to their plethora of pitching talent on the roster.

It certainly took time, with teams like the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and even the Texas Rangers throwing their names into the sweepstakes for the resurgent All-Star. But it always seemed as if the boys by the Bay had a leg up in the negotiations.

Somehow the Metropolitans were able to convince the Giants front office to pay for $2 million worth of Beltran's salary, while New York would eat the remaining $4 million and receive the top-tier pitching prospect they were looking for in Zachary Wheeler.

While Wheeler's name might not be well known to MLB fans just yet, it will be sooner rather than later if he lives up to the hype. The East Paulding High School graduate was the sixth overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft. He has been rated the 49th and 55th best prospect by Baseball America over the past two seasons.

Out of high school, this Georgia-born hurler was throwing 95 mile per hour heaters and has been using his high speed fastball to baffle hitters in the California League down on the farm.

Over two seasons spent in Class-A ball, Wheeler has struck out 70 and 98 batters respectively. He also posted a 3.99 ERA last season, which is where it stands currently for the 2011 campaign. Now, many readers looking at that 3.99 ERA will be less than excited, but you have to understand that the California League is a nightmare for pitchers, with most teams averaging a 5.00 ERA or up.

Wheeler's 3.99 mark contributes to the San Jose Giants' league leading 3.51 team ERA.

For the past few seasons, the Mets have had to scrounge to find quality pitching, with little help coming from the farm system. With the arrival of Wheeler, New York finally has their highly touted pitching prospect.

Losing Carlos Beltran's bat in the lineup may leave a bad taste in some of the Queens' faithful. But it's a taste that will be thoroughly washed out as they watch their new young hurler progress through the minors and debut with the Mets sometime within the next two seasons.