Adding Beltran proves Astros serious about winning
By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer
June 25, 2004
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Carlos Beltran had played just two games during his rookie season when then-Boston manager Jimy Williams was asked about the young outfielder his team was facing.
``I said, `He looks like he's a pretty special player ... I think he has a chance to be rookie of the year,'' Williams recalled Friday. ``That was after just two games.''
Five years later, Williams -- now the manager of the Astros -- is writing the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year's name on Houston's lineup card.
Beltran went 2-for-4 and scored in his Astros debut Friday night, a 3-1 loss at the Texas Rangers. It was a day after last-place Kansas City traded him to a Houston team clearly intent on trying to get to its first World Series this season.
``As a player, you always want to be on a good team,'' Beltran said. ``I think we've got good chances here. I'm going to do whatever I can, defensively and offensively. You always dream about being in a pennant race, being in a playoff. That's just something I want to experience.''
The Astros, fourth in the NL Central but just 5 1/2 games behind division-leading St. Louis, shuffled their lineup both in the batting order and in the field.
Beltran started in center field and batted third, dropping everybody else down one from their normal spots in the lineup. Lance Berkman was fourth, followed by Jeff Kent as the designated hitter and Jeff Bagwell hitting sixth.
Bagwell hadn't batted that low in the order since also going sixth on June 6, 1991. But that was OK with him.
``It's a huge addition for us,'' Bagwell said. ``He's a special talent. Obviously, he can only make us better. This is a special year. Like I've said before, it's not about me, it's about the team.''
The 27-year-old Beltran, a switch-hitter who batted .278 with 15 homers, 51 RBIs and 14 steals in Kansas City, gives the Astros a much deeper lineup.
``It makes it tougher for the opposition,'' Williams said. ``You can't really pitch around anybody.''
Defensively, Craig Biggio moved from center to left -- another position change for the former catcher and second baseman. Berkman shifted from left to right, where he has played before.
The Astros sent closer Octavio Dotel to Oakland to complete the three-way deal. Kansas City got three prospects, two from Oakland and one from Houston.
Houston spent millions last offseason to bring pitchers Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte to Houston. Clemens, the majors' first 10-game winner, agreed to only a one-year deal. Pettitte is expected to end a monthlong stint on the DL when he's scheduled to pitch Tuesday.
The trade for Beltran, which Berkman called the ``best offensive acquisition'' the team could have made, shows the Astros are serious about winning this year.
``It reiterated what we already knew. This is it, we're going for it. The expectation is to win,'' Berkman said. ``It's no different than at the beginning of the year. It's just re-emphasized that.''
Beltran, who can become a free agent at the end of the year, said he doesn't feel any added pressure.
``It isn't easy for me, the first time I get traded,'' Beltran said. ``At the same time, I know this got done because the Astros thought I was going to be a good addition. So, I'm happy to be here and looking forward to start winning games.''
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Astros looking into deal for Beltran
