Met’s Carlos Beltran will move as MLB Trade Deadline nears

Carlos Beltran has probably played his final game at Citi Field as a member of the New York Mets as the team heads out on a 10-game road trip not to return to New York until August 1. By that time, Beltran should be wearing different stripes. By the day, news has the Mets outfielder going to a different city – today’s hot destination – the Atlanta Braves. There are reports of the Detroit Tigers trying to come up with a viable trade package too.

The question is; how much does a contender risk to get a player of Beltran’s caliber who goes becomes a free agent at the end of the season. It’ highly unlikely Atlanta gives up hot pitching prospect like Mike Minor for a short term deal.

It’s hard to tell what’s breaking news, rumor or speculation when it comes to trade talk as it reaches a frenzied pitch the nearer the July 31 trade deadline gets. As I construct this blog, a quick Twitter check brings information of Beltran going to San Francisco. See as I breathe this story changes or possibly there’s more wind than fire.

While we’re on the subject; please let me mention the Phillies, Red Sox and Rangers are also interested. However, I’ve received word the Red Sox are no longer in the market for Beltran but would love to get some pitching help.

The St. Cardinals are a team that could use some pitching help and have some top prospects in the minor leagues that would make good bait for guys like Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez or Tampa Bay Rays veteran right-hander James Shields. Both of these starters are young and at the same time have demonstrated All-Star quality from the mound.

Cincinnati Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty is surely keeping his eye on any potential Cardinal moves but the Reds might be selling instead of buying if they continue to fade in the NL Central Divison.