Looks like the Mets got Beltran

[Esen]

Well according to the MLB article below (on the official site). It looks like Beltan's physical is tomorrow and will be announced on Tuesday. So hopefully nothing will fall apart in the mean time.

I got to give the Mets credit, they are really working hard on replacing Piazza ( come on the guy has to be tired by now) as the franchise player. Beltran is young enough to be a great choice!

A few hours after the New York Mets became the presumed frontrunners to outbid the competition for Carlos Beltran, they reportedly became the premier free agent's new team.
According to a report on Newsday's Web site, Beltran and the Mets agreed in principle Sunday morning on a seven-year contract, bringing the offseason's headlining free agent to Flushing.

The newspaper reported the deal being worth $119 million -- which would be $19 million more than offered by the Astros across the same stretch.

Beltran remained on the market past a Saturday midnight deadline to re-sign with the Houston Astros, with whom he spent the final two months of the 2004 season following his acquisition from Kansas City.

When that deadline passed, agent Scott Boras turned his full attention to the Mets and their general manager, Omar Minaya.

The Mets had no comment on the report, other than club spokesman Jay Horwitz telling MLB.com, "Discussions continue between Omar and Scott Boras."

The Associated Press also reported that the preliminary agreement includes an $11 million signing bonus, but that details on how to structure the salaries for the seven years, including possible deferments, are still being negotiated.

During the tense hours leading up to the deadline faced by the Astros because Beltran had not accepted their offer of arbitration, Boras was said to have been in constant contact with Houston owner Drayton McLane and representatives of the Mets and the Yankees.

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In the course of the day, however, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner indicated his unwillingness to match the offer the Mets already had on the table.

Newsday's report went so far as to indicate that Beltran would undergo an obligatory physical examination on Monday, and be introduced by his new club as early as Tuesday.

The signing of Beltran would punctuate Minaya's ambitious, and rewarding, first offseason as Mets general manager.

A month ago, he signed free agent right-hander Pedro Martinez to a four-year contract. Minaya described the former Boston ace as "the best pitcher on the free agent market."

Now, he has signed the unquestioned No. 1 player on the market. Not only does Beltran bring a full complement of tools to the table, but at 27, he is a talent on the verge of extended superstardom.

While splitting the 2004 season between the Royals and the Astros, Beltran hit .267 with 38 homers and 104 RBIs. He also stole 42 bases in 45 attempts.

Beltran then topped off his breakthrough summer with a spectacular October during Houston's quest for the World Series, which fell one game short in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against St. Louis.

In 12 postseason games, Beltran hit .435 with eight homers and 14 RBIs. He was also successful on all six stolen base attempts.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Woot!

[Averett]

The Mets still won't win the NL East with Beltran.

[Esen]

One note though,
Even though this came from the official MLB website their source is Newsday.

And NewsDay makes some bad reports. So Don't be quite 100% sold yet.

[Esen]

You are probably right but you need to put some other factors into the mix.

They are not done yet, they are still making more moves, they have been working on their pitching.
ALso their back up infielder hits 292!.

I think they are really, working hard at the impossible, and don't be surprised that if in a couple of years if Manny winds up as a Met too.

Getting Pedro was a little more then just getting a pitcher; it was a great move in making their team enticing to other players.

Don't get me wrong, I think that Pedro is a whiny little prick but anyone who has to hit against him knows that he is still a force.

[pmmq]

Go METS!!!!!! and take the Rangers and the Islanders with you!

[kutulu]

Beltran did the right thing at the right time. Good for him. Obviously, it's too much money but the money they are giving isn't that bad. The bad thing is the length of the contract. Eventually the Mets will get burned (but probably not till years 5-7). Who knows though. Maybe by then $17M won't be as big of a contract as it is now.

Expect his HR rate to drop considerably from last year since Shea isn't nearly as hitter friendly as Minute Maid Park. He'll likely be back to about 25-30 HR/season.

[crossova]

METS got Beltran...lets hope they can win a few more games....*not a baseball fan*

[MikeyChalupa]

Originally Posted by pmmq

Go METS!!!!!! and take the Rangers and the Islanders with you!

Whoa hey now... you're close, but no cigar. Read the sig for the correct quote.

Anyway, The Mets won't finish DFL in the East this season (Washington will) but they will have another crappy season. Beltran and Pedro will not help. Just for shits and giggles, try to think of the last offseason Free Agent acquisition that actually had a decent, productive first season for the Mets. Not a trade, an actual FA signing.

-Mikey

[Dingo2879]

I am a huge Cub fan, and for awhile i was hoping the cubs would make a run at Beltran, but 7 years, with a no-trade clause is extremely dangerous. This guy has all the tools to be an amazing player, but with only a few years of impressive production under his belt, I'm not sure this guy deserved that kinda commitment. For Met fans sake, I hope he works out and becomes the cornerstone of the franchise, but I'm happy my Cubbies didnt bite on such a massive commitment. We already are getting bit in the ass for our 7 year, no-trade clause massive contract.

[Jesus Malverde]

Damn, I knew this was going to happen. The Astros can pretty much kiss the postseason goodbye next year. Hopefully they can make a couple of moves with the extra cash.

[canuckguy]

minya is spending money like a drunk sailor in a titty bar (no offence to our navy peeps!), i like beltran and think he is just awesome, but what are they going to do with cameron, one of the best fielding players in the game. i like this signing, not the benson, pedro over payments.

[spooky1]

I would have preffered to see Beltran stay in Houston, but since he's still in the NL I get to keep him in my fantasy league. I'm just glad he didn't go to the Yankees. Now if only the Orioles can sign someone useful this off season.

[Esen]

Originally Posted by brian1975

minya is spending money like a drunk sailor in a titty bar (no offence to our navy peeps!), i like beltran and think he is just awesome, but what are they going to do with cameron, one of the best fielding players in the game. i like this signing, not the benson, pedro over payments.

Well Originally Cameron said that if they landed Beltran that he would move to right.
2 days after they landed Beltran he changed his mind and demanded a trade.
Minaya said ok, lets find you a team.

It is a shame Because this means now they are going to make a real stupid move and try and sign someone like Sosa.

Cameron was great WIth Seattle and was doing ok with NY.
His fielding is incredible and I think he was getting primed for a great year this year.

[drakers]

Maybe the Mets can actually do something with this player. They better get some other good players to add to their roster because one player can not do it all.