Yeah, I agree. As a team in our situation, I don't think I'd use that money at 3rd, where we have some decent options. I'd rather get a catcher or another OF with that money, if we're going to spend it.
You are right, as a journalism major I know crasnick/ESPN did nothing wrong. There are many other things I can criticize ESPN for but this isn't one of them. I'm just frustrated with the way the national media has acted in regards to Beltran's free agency.
Anyone catch Jayson Starks "Rumblings and Grumblings"? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1921543 Where will Beltran end up? Way too soon to tell. But one baseball man who talks to Beltran every few days has been telling friends Beltran will wind up staying in Houston.
Whatever happens... his personality seems to suggest he'd be a better fit in Houston than NY.... so I'm betting where he goes will depend on whether or not he has the balls to tell Boras what he, Beltran, wants and not the other way around.
from that article: "If the price is really going to be $20 million a year for 10 years," says an official of one team that's interested, "then Beltran will be the last guy in baseball to sign this winter." We've been surveying agents and club officials from both leagues on this. And no one has predicted Beltran will wind up averaging more than the $14-15 million a year that Jim Thome and Vladimir Guerrero got as the marquee names on the market in the previous two winters. "I think we all realize now that no one should get more than five years, no matter who he is," says an official of one big-market team. "Everyone has gotten burned on these long-term contracts -- even the Yankees. You're one knee injury away from a disaster."
I do not think Beltran is going to the Yankees. I am more inclined to believe that the Yankees want Brown gone so badly that they will ship him to the Braves for Andruw Jones. So if Andruw mans the Yankees center field, where will Beltran play? My money is on Andruw becoming the Yankees next centerfielder. I think it is going to be between Houston and Anaheim for the services of Beltran. I choose to believe that Boras is working for Beltran in this case. The thought being considered in this Beltran talks makes me sick - Beltran knows better than signing with the Cubs (he is a cultured man unlike Alou). What are the odds Beltran signs before the end of November? What about before December 31st? I will say a 3-1 and a 2-1 chance respectively of Beltran signing before the end of November or December.
I can't say I have any insight into where CB will land, but I do believe it will be no later than Friday, 12/10. If I were guessing I'd lean towards Anaheim then Astros/Cubs. I doubt any of Boros' brood are still 'free' (sic) later than 12/16.
I wouldnt count out the Mets in the bidding. They got a lot of flack this past year form the fans and media when they didnt pony up enough to get Vlad...I could see them making a very strong play for Carlos
And here I thought Carlos wanted to play for a winner. If he's considering chasing the cash to the Mets, maybe he should give Glavine a call first and see how he's enjoying his contract.
I wish the Astros would stop screwing around, and stop teasing the fans of Houston. Break the bank Drayton.
Other teams will equal any offer Drayton puts out there. With that as a given, make a fair offer, show him the organization wants him, and wants to build around him, and let Beltran make up his mind.
Has anyone heard of what our "plan B" is if Beltran leaves? Shouldn't we be hearing how Purpura is planning to meet with Maglio's agent....or perhaps some other free agent (pavano, lowe, etc) so we dont get shut out all together? Are we putting all out eggs in the Beltran basket? If so, that could be one big row of dominoes that fall if Beltran goes elsewhere, Clemens retires, Kent goes elsewhere and we get stuck with the ugly chick for the prom.
Troy Glaus has been mentioned all over the place, ESPN, Sportingnews, etc. Of course the only real news has been regarding Kent and Beltran. All the big free agents Beltre. Beltran, Glaus, Ordonez, etc. all seem to be waiting for someone else to set this years market. If Beltran signs here for say 7yrs 14m per, then it's going to be very difficult for Beltre to get even that. From the players perspective it's in all of their best interests for the first to sign to get a large deal and thus set a good precedent for the others to negotiate. So no one wants to jump right in and be first. I hate the waiting but I'm confident the Stros are looking at every possible option. Until that first big domino falls though it's going to be slow going.
Glaus is interesting...but he seems to be very injury prone. I'd rather see us spend the money on pitching or Beltran and let Lamb play 3rd....and trade Ensberg.
