Listening to Steve Phillips rail against Beltran on the national broadcast of tonight’s Mets game made me want to throw things at the television. “The Mets need to rethink their 17 million dollar investment.” “This one time, Beltran tried to bunt for a hit, and he was the number 3 hitter and THAT’S WEIRD.” “Beltran doesn’t come through in the clutch.” “The Mets should keep Reyes and Wright, and trade Beltran.” WHAT?
Yes, we all saw him freeze on that curveball from Adam Wainwright in game seven in the 2006 NLCS. But Cliff Floyd also struck out with 2 runners on, and Jose Reyes lined out to center field. The most important point is that that AB was an aberration.
Beltran’s Postseason line (101 plate appearances):
30 H, 18 BB, 11 HR, 19 RBI, .366/.485/.817
Beltran’s clutch numbers in 2009:
2 outs RISP (21 plate appearances):
6 H, 4 BB, 7 RBI, .375/.524/.500
“Late & Close” (7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck) (32 plate appearances):
10 H, 5 BB, 1HR, 6 RBI, .370/.469/.556
Within 1 Run (89 plate appearances):
33 H, 12 BB, 2 HR, 15 RBI, .434/.517/.618
FACT: Not only is Beltran a Gold Glove defensive center fielder who puts up consistently excellent offensive numbers in every possible way, he is EVEN BETTER in clutch situations, and without question the Met you should want at the plate with the game on the line.
PS. Thanks to Joe Morgan for telling Sterling Steve that he was wrong, and that it would be nearly impossible to replace Beltran.
PPS. Great job on the Mo Vaughn deal, Steve.
PPPS. Psych.