A juicy rumor, via Was Watching:
Frank Russo, on New York Baseball Digest Radio's Yankee Special, mentioned that his connections have shared that the Mets are accepting inquiries for Carlos Beltran. And, further, according to Russo, his sources have also shared that there's a rumor of a possible deal between the Mets and Yankees which would breakdown as follows:
Carlos Beltran from the Mets to the Yankees in exchange for Robinson Cano (with the Yankees taking on most of Cano's contract), either Jose Veras or Brian Bruney, Ian Kennedy, and another prospect from the Yankees system.
Hey, it's just an internet rumor -- so, take it for what's it worth. Nonetheless, if you're a Yankees fan, would you like that deal? It's an interesting one to noodle -- even just for fun.
OK, just for fun … There's one simple reason why the Mets won't (or rather, shouldn't) make a deal like this: If you trade a great player and don't get a great player back, you lose the deal.
Carlos Beltran is a great player. Year in and year out, he's one of the best players in the National League.
Jose Veras (or Brian Bruney) is not a great player. Ian Kennedy is not a great player, nor likely to become great. "Another prospect" might be decent someday, but also is not likely to be great.
Which leaves Robinson Cano, who's not as bad as you think.
You probably know that Cano was a huge disappointment this season. But that's almost completely because of the season's first five weeks. From May 4 through the end of the season, Cano batted .300/.327/.452 … right in line with his .303/.335/.468 career numbers. Cano turns 26 in a couple of weeks, and we expect him to improve some as hitter over the next two or three years. His defensive numbers have been all over the map, but I think it's safe to assume he'll never be a great fielder.
Beltran is six years older than Cano. Two or three years from now, Cano might actually be better than Beltran. But if you're the Mets, having just come off two terribly crushing seasons, are you going to wait two or three years for a trade to pay off?
Rob Neyer
