Carlos Beltran to the Boston Red Sox?

Mets' outfielder Carlos Beltran's name is popping up in trade rumors involving the Boston Red Sox. Peter Gammons and Adam Rubin are both reporting that Beltran could be moved. Gammons suggests that the Mets would pay about $10 million of the $18 million left on Beltran's contract, which expires at the end of the year. Gammons reports that pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and shortstop Marco Scutaro could then be shipped to the Mets, though he expressed doubt that the Red Sox would do that.

A trade involving Beltran would seem to potentially make sense for both teams. Beltran does not have a good relationship with the Mets, as he believes their doctor gave him bad medical advice two years ago and complicated his recovery from a knee injury. In addition, in the American League, Beltran could DH occasionally (though the Sox have David Ortiz coming back as their full time DH). Another advantage for Beltran would be that he could play the short leftfield at Fenway Park, which would presumably put less stress on his bad knee than trying to patrol CitiField's large outfield would.

Offensively, it would seem that this move could help Beltran as well, as Fenway's dimensions are much more hitter friendly than CitiField's. The Red Sox are in the market for an outfielder, but free agent Jayson Werth has already signed with the Washington Nationals and the other big time free agent, Carl Crawford, may have more suitors than previously thought, particularly with the New York Yankees reportedly getting involved in the bidding.

For their part, the Mets would shed a little bit of payroll and rid themselves of a player with a mixed reputation at best in the clubhouse.

One aspect of this rumored deal that is particularly interesting is the inclusion of Marco Scutaro's name. The Mets, of course, have an established shortstop that is a cornerstone of their franchise in Jose Reyes. Scutaro does have some experience at second base throughout his career, but has mostly played at short.

There have been some rumors about the Mets entertaining offers for Reyes this offseason. While but nothing involving Reyes is believed to be imminent, the addition of Scutaro would provide them some flexibility if they can get a prospect rich offer from another team for Reyes.

The Mets, and new General Manager Sandy Alderson, have stated that they are not in the market for a big time free agent this season. The organization's focus is clearly ridding themselves of bad contracts and restocking the farm system for a run in 2012 and beyond. Particularly with a new general manager and a new field manager, the organization seems determined to rebuild, so trading Beltran and possibly Reyes could make a lot of sense.

Of course, for every ten hot stove baseball trade rumors, it seems, only one actually happens. But Carlos Beltran being traded from the New York Mets to the Boston Red Sox is one that would seem to make sense for both teams.

http://www.metsblog.com/2010/12/07/red-sox-keep-asking-mets-about-beltran/