Beltran willing to change positions
New York Mets' Carlos Beltran hits a double against the Washington Nationals during the first inning. (Sept. 8, 2010) Credit: AP
With Mets general manager Sandy Alderson scheduled to meet with Carlos Beltran for the first time this weekend in Puerto Rico, the oft-injured centerfielder said Thursday that he would consider a switch in positions if the team suggested it.
"Right now, honestly, in my heart, if that happens, I have to listen," Beltran said during a conference call with reporters. "Personally, me feeling the way I feel and looking forward to get to spring training feeling 100 percent, I do still think that I can play centerfield. But if the organization has different things in mind, then we have to talk about it.
"I'm all for doing whatever is good for the team. If the chances are better for us to win with me moving, I'm not against it. I've never been against it. I have never been a selfish type of player. But I feel that I can play centerfield. Let's see when [Alderson] comes to Puerto Rico. If it happens, I'm open to listening."
Broaching that subject might not be the only item on Alderson's agenda, which also could include a discussion of Beltran's no-trade clause.
Beltran is heading into the final season of his seven-year, $119-million contract and is due $18.5 million. Throw in his chronic knee issues, and it seems very unlikely that the Mets could get decent value - or save significant money - by dealing him. But if Alderson approaches him, Beltran repeated his willingness to waive the no-trade clause.
"I have to listen," Beltran said. "I want to be with the Mets. I want to finish my career with the Mets. Right now, my mentality is just to come back next year 100 percent to help this team to win a championship. But at the same time, if the organization is looking for different options, I have to be aware.
"I'm a professional. If a situation comes up between them and us, we're going to handle it in a very professional way."
Alderson can hope to at least repair any bad feelings that linger between Beltran and the Mets. Alderson, Angel Pagan and Jose Reyes will be part of tomorrow's fundraising event in Puerto Rico for Beltran's baseball academy, which the centerfielder plans to open next year.
The academy wound up at the center of the Walter Reed controversy this past season when Beltran said a conference call with his foundation prevented him from attending the Mets' trip to the veterans hospital in Washington.
Beltran was harshly criticized - along with Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez - for not participating in the voluntary visit.
That angered Beltran, who was upset with the Mets last winter after they said they hadn't approved the knee surgery he underwent in Colorado.
"Everything that came out in the papers, I feel like that's not the person I am," Beltran said. "I'm all about giving back, I'm all about caring about others."
As for starting fresh with Alderson and a new manager, Beltran seemed to have an open mind. "For us, it has to be that way," he said. "That's my mentality."
As for the knee problems that have limited him to a total of 145 games the past two years, Beltran is optimistic. His most recent MRIs, taken at the end of last season, showed improvement, and he was not required to visit his orthopedic surgeon, Richard Steadman, in Vail, Colo.
Beltran said he plans to start his offseason regimen next week and hire a trainer.
"I know this year I have to focus on my lower body," he said. "It seems that's the part that has given me trouble the last couple years."
