Beltran, with Mets again, won’t talk about scandal
Carlos Beltran refused to discuss his role in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, preferring to concentrate on his new role with the New York Mets, The Associated Press reports.
“Today’s not about the Astros,” Beltran said Wednesday. “Today is about the Mets.”
Beltran was hired by the Mets on Nov. 1, 2019 (pictured), to replace Mickey Callaway
as manager. But the team announced Beltran’s departure the following Jan. 16 without him managing a game.
Beltran’s departure was announced three days after he was the only Astros player mentioned by name in Major League Baseball’s report that concluded that Houston broke rules by using electronics to steal signs en route to the 2017 World Series title.
“I felt like that was a moment that needed to happen and I moved on,” Beltran, now 45, said.
He joined the Mets last week as a special assistant to General Manager Billy Eppler.
Beltran said he didn’t expect to return.
“No chance,” Beltran said. “No clue. That’s how the world goes around. When this opportunity came, it was a no-brainer to say yes.”
Beltran received 46.5 percent of votes in his first Hall of Fame ballot appearance this year, well short of the needed 75 percent. His role in the scandal likely impacted voters.
“I felt OK with it,” Beltran said. “I know that I went through a moment in my career that was tough . ... I also know I had some fans and now I don’t have those fans anymore. But at the end of the day, I have to live my life. I have to move on.”
Beltran said several clubs offered him opportunities to be an on-field coach this season. He sees his new role as a bridge between players and the front office, helping players understand the pressure of playing in New York.
“They test you, they push you, but most importantly they push you to be better,” Beltran said.
Trivia question
On this date in 1987, Seattle guard Nate McMillan, fired Tuesday as Atlanta’s head coach, had 25 assists in one game to set an NBA rookie record. What player holds the overall mark?
He said it
From Beltran, on being a mentor that he didn’t have coming up through the Royals’ system: “In my case I feel when you are in the minor league system you need love. You need people to care about you . ... That’s why I’m motivated. I’m motivated because I didn’t have that person, and I hope that I can be that person for those kids.”
Trivia answer
Orlando’s Scott Skiles had 30 assists in one game on Dec. 30, 1990, breaking the mark of 29 set by New Jersey’s Kevin Porter in 1978. Porter had three games of 25 or more in his career.