San Francisco Giants: Carlos Beltran's Words of Wisdom

Dear Giants fans,

I'm very sorry, but I honestly thought Carlos Beltran could help you. 

When the Mets traded Beltran for Zack Wheeler I figured this would actual be one of the few deals in baseball that mutually benefited both teams. The Giants would get the offense needed to push the team back into the driver's seat for the division title in their attempt to repeat. 

While healthy, it seems Beltran has held up his part of the bargain in producing on the diamond since arriving in San Francisco; but unfortunately it seems the Giants' luck for this season is running out.  

Beyond the field, though, it troubles me even more to see that Beltran has once again decided to share his thoughts and feelings in the same style he did in New York. 

When discussing his future with the Giants with the Mercury News earlier this week, Beltran initially painted himself as a team player who simply wants what's best for the team in regards to next year.

"I would consider this organization for sure, because the pitching is unbelievable, and adding those guys back, of course you're adding more offense to the ballclub," Beltran said.

He paused, carefully considering his words.

"But I believe there should be a little bit more than that," he said.

Granted, the Giants' offense has been far from explosive, but this team is hardly a lost cause. A lineup with a healthy Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez is far from the worst nucleus in baseball, not to mention a pitching staff that can boast Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Brian Wilson.

For Beltran, though, it just isn't enough in his quest to win a championship.

"At my point in my career, I just want to have the opportunity to win," he said. "I believe this team is good, you know? But like any other team there's always room to improve. I know we're missing some bats, Posey and Sanchez, but at the end of the day...

"We're all expecting Posey to come back 100 percent healthy, right? But you never know what's going to happen with him. You don't know if he'll be able to catch like he did in the past. We wish he will, but at the end of the day, my decision will be based on what this organization is willing to put together."

True to form, Beltran manages to subtly shift the blame for this year on to next by roping in Buster Posey and his injury from earlier this season. This is even more frustrating to read given how much playing time Beltran himself has missed over the past few seasons due to injuries. 

Then again, perhaps it's all about giving Beltran what will truly make him happy.

Beltran is on record expressing disdain for hitting in big, drafty AT&T Park, although he labeled that as a secondary factor. He would dismiss the park effect if he were confident he could be part of a potent lineup.

Never mind that the Giants would be lucky if they could afford him next season, given the team's current payroll situation—this man needs all the help he can get.

Sadly, interviews and comments like these once again show Beltran's refusal to accept responsibility or take on a leadership role fitting a player of his caliber. In New York, apologists would often call him quiet, soft-spoken and understated; but at this point in his career one would hope he would be smart enough not to dismiss the opportunity to play for a team as talented as the Giants and have the maturity to step up to the plate both literally and figuratively. 

To the good people of San Francisco, once again I'm sorry, you deserve better. 

When the times comes, do yourselves a favor and cut him loose.