MLB Trade Deadline: Is Carlos Beltran Really Worth It?

It seems as if everywhere you look, there is a headline reading, “Where will Carlos Beltran head to?”

Let’s just snap back to reality for a second.

Does having one quality first half really merit all the talk?

Beltran is a good player, not a great player.

At 34 years old, he is starting to age and is not worth a half-year rental.

Beltran has stayed healthy this year, but this is a rare occurrence for him.  In 2009 and 2010, Beltran played a combined 145 games.

He has shown he cannot stay healthy a whole season. So why risk it, especially at his age?

The possibility of injury is not the only reason teams should stay clear of Beltran.

His numbers have somewhat declined, particularly for base running.  Since 2005, his highest stolen-base record was 25 in a year and after 2009, his highest total was 11.

Beltran has three stolen bases so far this year.

A loss of speed does not only affect base running. It also hurts fielding. Beltran used to be a premier defender at center field.

Now, he is an average right fielder.

After one of the best postseasons of all time in 2004 with the Houston Astros, people were expecting big things from Beltran.

His next postseason appearance came in 2006 with the New York Mets. It didn’t turn out the way Mets fans had hoped.

The first round he batted .222 and had only one RBI. The next series he did better. He had three home runs and four RBI.

One good and one average postseason appearance should not make Beltran the cream of the crop for the trade deadline.

Also, his last postseason appearance was five years ago. With only two postseason appearances and many years under his belt, expectations for Beltran are much too high.

Clearly, Beltran isn’t the best outfielder on the block.

Hunter Pence, the outfielder from the Houston Astros, has a better average, more stolen bases and more hits. He is also younger than Beltran.

Pence and Beltran are both very much in demand, but there also are some role-players that could help teams just as much with a lower price tag.

For example, Ryan Ludwick could supply power.

Available players who could help teams in the long run include B.J. Upton and Colby Rasmus.

When players start making demands before they are traded, it could lead to trouble. Beltran has said he only wants to play in the National League.

No one wants be on the same team as a player who is picky.

There are many players to choose from at this year’s trade deadline.

Why risk it with Beltran?