San Francisco Giants Leading the Carlos Beltran Sweepstakes?
Last night, I mentioned that the San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies could be the top three contenders for the New York Mets’ Carlos Beltran. There are some American League teams in the mix, but a lot of people think that Carlos Beltran will exercise his no-trade clause in order to stay in the National League where he won’t be used as a designated hitter. Today, Jeff Passan tweets that the San Francisco Giants are the favorites to land Carlos Beltran. We heard something similar earlier in the week, but the problem was that they did not match up with what the New York Mets were asking for in return. If the will is big enough on each side though, the two teams will find a way to get a deal done. If the San Francisco Giants aren’t willing to pay up in prospects, I have no doubt that New York Mets’ GM Sandy Alderson will be happy to move Carlos Beltran to one of the other contending teams pursuing his services. Let’s take a look at some San Francisco Giants prospects that the New York Mets could be after.
Brandon Belt, 1B
Belt was ranked as the Giants’ No. 1 prospect heading into the 2011 season. After batting .352 in 2010 across three levels, Belt has struggled in 2011. Struggles for rookies are understandable and expected, but he has also struggled with some injuries. It is probably a long-shot for the Mets to acquire Brandon Belt, but I’m not sure they are focused on him as they have Ike Davis at first base.
Zack Wheeler, RHP
The Mets want pitchers and Wheeler is the best minor league pitcher that the Giants have to offer. Wheeler works 94-97 with his fastball and offers a developing breaking ball and change-up. He has struck out 98 in 88 IP in High-A this season. The walks need to come down (47), but he has shown the ability to mature and make adjustments. Wheeler is still at least a couple of years away, but with his stuff and remaining projection, he would be a great talent for the Mets to add to their system.
Gary Brown, OF
Brown is a speedy outfielder who is producing really well at High-A. At first glance, he actually reminds me of a poor man’s Mike Trout. He has a similar build (6’1″, 190) and blazing speed (39 SB). He’s older and lacks the power potential that Trout does, but Brown’s “gap power” would serve him extremely well in a big ballpark like Citi Field. Not to mention he has the defensive tools that will allow him to contend for Gold Gloves.
Francisco Peguero, OF
Peguero is a toolsy prospect that has a nice blend of power and speed. Baseball America makes a slight comparison between Peguero and Vladimir Guerrero because of his raw talent and his plate coverage. Peguero has struggled somewhat in his first taste of Double-A action, but that is to be expected. He is an intriguing talent, but personally I would prefer someone like Brown who is a bit more polished.
The Giants have some interesting prospects, but they are reluctant to send them away – as you would expect. If they want to keep the Braves or the Phillies from adding the piece that gives them the edge in the race for the National League pennant, they may have to bite the bullet and send off one of their top guys. I’ve said it before and will probably repeat myself, but I am all about the New York Mets adding some ace-potential pitching to their system and Zack Wheeler fits that bill. Gary Brown intrigues me a lot too as his skill set seems like one that would wreak havoc in Citi Field.
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