Ricco tempers Manuel's optimism on Beltran
Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran speaks with Jose Reyes in the clubhouse after arriving for spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 22, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
BALTIMORE - The Mets have taken great pains to temper any expectations for Carlos Beltran's return, but manager Jerry Manuel apparently didn't get the memo in time to prevent his public lobbying for him to return as a DH for next weekend's series at Yankee Stadium.
Manuel got excited after hearing that Beltran played centerfield for three innings Friday during a simulated game in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and went 3-for-5 with a home run. When pressed again on a possible return, Manuel looked at the next nine games in American League ballparks and allowed himself to dream. "I just think this is a good time to break him in," Manuel said before Friday's game against the Orioles. "That's just me. You know how I am - out there on that island."
But assistant GM John Ricco explained that Beltran is running in a cautious mode, with only brief spurts of shifting into full speed. Ricco said Beltran is not yet close to a rehab assignment.
"We haven't talked timetables," Ricco said. "I don't want to put any percentages on it. But there's a difference in doing it in a simulated game and doing it in a live game."
Takahashi safe for now
Despite two clunkers in a row, Hisanori Takahashi will not be pitching for his job Saturday in his start against the Orioles, according to Manuel.
With John Maine expected to need at least two more rehab starts after Sunday's start for Double-A Binghamton, the Mets are in no hurry to bounce Takahashi from the rotation. But that could change if he's still struggling and if and when a new and improved Maine is ready to return from the DL.
"It's tough to take a great starter out and replace him with something that might be questionable," Manuel said. "If he's great then obviously we'll continue to ride that as long as possible.
