It will not be surprising if this changes, but the Mets believe Carlos Beltran will head to spring training when position players report, even though the star center fielder will not be physically ready and is under no obligation to report that early.
Beltran underwent controversial knee surgery last month and is going to miss the start of the season. He’s rehabbing from the operation in Puerto Rico. Mets position players report to Port St. Lucie on Feb. 23.
“He doesn’t have to report [then], but I think he was planning on coming in right around when the other position players did,” assistant GM John Ricco said yesterday. “He was not just going to stay at home and rehab with the physical therapist there.”
Added Omar Minaya, “He doesn’t have to. But right now I think that’s his plan.”
Last year the Mets allowed Billy Wagner, who was coming off major surgery and wasn’t ready to play until August, to rehab at home in Virginia rather than go to Florida. for spring training. Historically the Mets have not been too strict about where their injured players rehab.
There also has been some conflict between Beltran and the team over whether he had permission to have his surgery. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Beltran, who’s been said to be mad at the Mets, opt to stay home and rehab for as long as possible before rejoining the organization.
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Carlos Delgado’s agent, David Sloane, insisted the free-agent slugger is not retiring and that a report saying he would consider it should no good offers materialize is untrue.
“He’s been misquoted,” said Sloane, who spoke to Delgado after finding out about the report. “He has no plans whatsoever to retire if he doesn’t get the opportunity to sign something right away.”
Sloane, who said Delgado has received offers from teams, said the 37-year-old intends to play this season. He said Delgado is “feeling great” and capable of playing first base.
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Though the Mets have not made an offer, they remain one of three teams engaged in discussions with free-agent catcher Rod Barajas, according to a person familiar with the situation. The 34-year-old Barajas, who is still a longshot to come aboard, batted .226 with 19 homers and 71 RBIs last season in Toronto.