Beltran, 33, has been hampered with injuries, having played in only 145 games over the last two seasons, reported to camp last month with his surgically repaired right knee at less than full strength. With his health in question, the Mets made the decision that worked best for the team and their outfielder at this point.
“In my heart I feel I can still play centerfield,” said Beltran. “But at the same time it’s not about Carlos – it’s about team.”
Right field at Citi Field can be an outfielder’s nightmare with a short porch, minimum foul territory and a less than conventional left-centerfield gap. However, for a healing Beltran, a smaller area to cover may be just what the doctor ordered.
“There will be different adjustments for me to make [in right field],” said Beltran. “But I think I will get over that. I want to play right. I think it’s best for the team, best for me and my knee.”
Despite the distractions with ownership during the off-season, the Mets have forged ahead with a new manager, general manager and many new faces on a team that hopes to compete in the National League East. Now with the Beltran/Pagan situation put to rest, Mets manager Terry Collins can be confident in a very good defensive outfield consisting of Jason Bay, Pagan and Beltran.
In 2010, both Bay and Beltran missed most of the season due to serious injuries, however for Pagan, it created an opportunity to show what he could do on an everyday basis – and he took full advantage of the situation.
“They gave me the opportunity to fill his [Beltran] shoes,” said Pagan. “I was just trying to do my job and help the team as much as I could. I guess I did it well.”
Last season, the slick-fielding Pagan took control of centerfield and added life to the top of the Mets line-up. In 151 games, the Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico native, compiled a .290 batting average with 31 doubles, seven triples, eleven homeruns and 69 runs batted in. Pagan also added life on the base paths with 37 steals on the season.
With Pagan on the rise and Beltran on the mend, the Mets decision made for a very humbling week for the 13-year veteran, however he handled the position switch as professional as one would expect from the classy but quiet four-time All-Star.
“I am happy to turn over the position to a guy I know and have worked with,” said Beltran. “I feel he can do a great job in centerfield.”
In what had to be a somewhat awkward moment, Pagan sat with Beltran as reporters questioned the two in the Mets dugout. The 29-year-old Pagan had nothing but admiring remarks about the icon he has replaced.
“I feel very fortunate to be passed the torch from the player I always looked up to,” said Pagan. “I think having him right next to me will be a great plus for me.”
With the outfield set, the Mets can now turn their attention to second base and the back-end of their pitching rotation.
