Why Beltre, why???

[mikemcj55]

I just traded for this guy, in hopes of a big turn around.

I know there are definitely some Beltre haters here at the cafe, but Im curious to hear the arguments. Beltre is a slow starter, (conceededly not usually this slow) according to his splits, he has consistently gotten better in July, August, and September. Also, with him switching leagues, some of his putrid start can be attributed to new pitchers, team adjustments, and the superior pitching of the AL West (j/k), etc.
However, the one allegation I've heard several times is that he was on the juice last year. To me this just doesn't make sense. Do people think he just started juicing last year? He's been in the league for five years, been playing baseball for a long time, and for one year, a year shrouded in steroid controversy, a super talent STARTS taking steroids?

Everyone recognizes the guy is a great talent, and it is pretty hard to have a season like he did last year as a fluke. But I haven't followed his career closely enough, nor do I pretend to have any talent evaluation skills.

Just wondering what Beltre lovers/haters thoughts were on his projections for this season and beyond and why. Thanks.

[rainman23]

When a guy has under-achieved as consistently as Beltre has, then becomes Babe Ruth in his contract year, I think a lot of us remained skeptical about this mental makeup. We wanted to see him do it again. So far, he's demonstrating the value of skepticism pretty clearly.

But, no, for the life of me I couldn't explain why someone who was capable of Triple Crown numbers would settle for mediocrity, contract or no. So this theory may be all wet. Still, glad he's not on my roster.

[LouisC9999]

When a guy has under-achieved as consistently as Beltre has, then becomes Babe Ruth in his contract year, I think a lot of us remained skeptical about this mental makeup. We wanted to see him do it again. So far, he's demonstrating the value of skepticism pretty clearly.

But, no, for the life of me I couldn't explain why someone who was capable of Triple Crown numbers would settle for mediocrity, contract or no. So this theory may be all wet. Still, glad he's not on my roster.

Exactly why I avoided him like the plague.

[Cooner]

When a guy has under-achieved as consistently as Beltre has, then becomes Babe Ruth in his contract year, I think a lot of us remained skeptical about this mental makeup. We wanted to see him do it again. So far, he's demonstrating the value of skepticism pretty clearly.

I think you're completely right here. The contract theory is a load of crud in my opinion, but the guy clearly just isn't mentally tough enough to work/learn to play the game to the best of his abilities. Someone needs to learn him some pride.

Such a disappointing career so far...

[Yoda]

When a guy has under-achieved as consistently as Beltre has, then becomes Babe Ruth in his contract year, I think a lot of us remained skeptical about this mental makeup. We wanted to see him do it again. So far, he's demonstrating the value of skepticism pretty clearly.

I think you're completely right here. The contract theory is a load of crud in my opinion, but the guy clearly just isn't mentally tough enough to work/learn to play the game to the best of his abilities. Someone needs to learn him some pride.

Such a disappointing career so far...

I have never been this wrong about a player in my entire life. I seriously doubt we will see the 04 Beltre ever again. What a flop.

[d18Mike]

MLB's director of Stats was recently asked his opinion on Beltre this year. His direct quote: "woof." He did so and madec a historical/statistical analysis but also echoed some of the comments here regarding the mental side of his game.

Guy who owns him in our league (a fairly competitive 12-team) is shopping him like mad and can't find a taker at any price.

[Yoda]

MLB's director of Stats was recently asked his opinion on Beltre this year. His direct quote: "woof." He did so and madec a historical/statistical analysis but also echoed some of the comments here regarding the mental side of his game.

Guy who owns him in our league (a fairly competitive 12-team) is shopping him like mad and can't find a taker at any price.

there is no use shopping him because you won't get anything usable in return.

He's a second half performer so I expect him to rebound some. 20 HR, .270 avg is still not out of the question IMO. Hell I'd be happy if he ended up with those numbers at this point.

[CubsFan7724]

The longer this season goes, the more I have the feeling that 04 Beltre was just like Brady Anderson's 95? (cant remember) season.

[Tokugawa]

I don't buy the contract year stuff, the hitting coach stuff, the injury-helped him stuff etc etc etc

Steroids are the only explanation:

Last year 48 homers, previous best 23 in 2003, this year on for 15
Last year ave. .334, previous best .290 in 2000, this year .244.

The jumps he made last year compared to previous years are ridiculous however the guy has always had talent and therefore I was willing to beleive that it had just finally all come together but then 2005 rolls around, and the guy flat out stinks.

Obviously he has the pressure of a big contract, new fans to please, new pitchers to work out, but quite a few players have changed leagues and not struggled as much as Beltre.

Part of his extra struggles are probably due to the fact that he lacks the confidence that the steroids gave him as well.

I don't think he will continue to struggle as much as he has up until now for the rest of the season, but it is highly unlikely that he will return to the player he was last year.

[jzfran]

He's sitting on FA in my league and no nes picking him up.