(Port Saint Lucie) Carlos Beltran declined to discuss his role in the Houston Astros’ signal theft scandal, preferring to focus on his new role with the New York Mets.
“Today is not about the Astros,” Beltran said. This day belongs to the Mets. »
Beltran was hired by the Mets on 1er November 2019 to replace manager Mickey Callaway. But the team announced his departure the following January 16, without him having led a single game.
His departure was announced three days after he was the only Astros player identified in Major League Baseball’s report that found the Texas squad broke the rules by using electronic devices to steal signals from opposing clubs en route. towards the conquest of the 2017 World Series.
“I think that’s what had to happen and I moved on,” Beltran said.
He joined the Mets last week as a special adviser to general manager Billy Eppler. He assures that he did not expect to be back.
“I had no idea, but that’s the way the world works. […] When this opportunity was offered to me, I did not hesitate to say yes. »
Beltran saw his name appear on 46.5% of ballots in his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility in January, well short of the required 75%. His role in this scandal surely influenced voters.
“I was at peace (with the result), Beltran said. I know I went through a tough time in my career. I also know that some of my supporters then are no longer supporters today. But in the end, I have to live my life. I have to look ahead. »
Beltran said several teams have offered him on-court work for the upcoming season. He sees his new role as a bridge between the players and the administration, where he can help the players deal with the pressure of playing in New York.
“They test you; they push you. But above all, they push you to be better. »
Beltran wants to be the mentor he didn’t have when he was training in the Kansas City Royals organization.
“Because it wasn’t given to you, that doesn’t mean you can’t offer it,” he said. Personally, I think you should be shown a little more love when you are in the affiliate network. You need to feel that people care about your success. This is what motivates me: to be this person that I did not have for these young people. »
Now 45, the nine-time All-Star played with the Mets from 2005 to 2011. He ranks sixth in club history for home runs (149) and RBIs (559). All-American rookie par excellence with the Royals in 1999, he also played for the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees. He finished his career with averages of .279/.350/.486, 435 homers and 312 stolen bases.
He does not reject the idea of becoming a manager one day.
“You can never say no when you love the sport and you love being around the players and having an impact on their development,” he said. I’m at peace with where I am now, but I don’t know about the future. »