The Mets have added an insurance policy for injured CF Carlos Beltran, trading RH RP Brian Stokes for OF Gary Matthews, JR from the Los Angeles Angels. The switch hitting OF, hit .250 with 4 home runs and 50 rbi in 103 games in 2009, while playing 80 starts in the field. He played 46 in CF, while hitting .358 with runners in scoring position. Matthews also posted a .395 clip wtih 2 outs and RISP as well. However, Matthews has been a disappointment after signing a large free agent deal in 2007,totaling 30 home runs in 3 years after posting a career high 19 for the Texas Rangers in 06. The club added Torii Hunter to play Center in 2009, making Gary a part time player at best. Los Angeles will pay 21.5 million of his 23.5 salary over the next 2 seasons, NY will pay the difference.
Bloggers Opinion:
Good move for NY. The club needs insurance for Beltran and this also allows them flexibility with Angel Pagan as well . And The Angels are paying for most of the deal. Negatives? You have to wonder how serious Beltran’s knee is with this move. Team has an ideal 4th OF now and added Matthews. Is this a season long issue?
