Since the All-Star break the talk surrounding the New York Mets' Carlos Beltran and the possibility of him being traded has been on the lips of many a sports fan across the country. The San Francisco Giants are likely the most buzzed about team about acquiring the All-Star slugger, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Mets are ready to deal him just yet.
Mets GM Sandy Alderson reiterated this fact Thursday as he spoke to some media folks via conference call to clear the air a bit about Beltran and his impending status:
"We have had discussions with other clubs about a variety of players, Carlos' situation is well-known ... and it's not surprising given his situation and performance this year that a lot of interest has been expressed. We have not pursued that interest in great length to this point."
"I do want to make it clear that the (Francisco) Rodriguez trade should not signal anything to anyone about Beltran. The far more important situation is how we play in the next two to three weeks."
Beltran is also being eyed by a number of different ball clubs such as the Tigers, Indians, Red Sox, White Sox, Rays and Reds, all of which could use an upgrade in the corner outfield position as well as another slugger in their lineup.
The Giants have likely done the most courting of Beltran, but that doesn't make them the frontrunner per se. It's going to be an interesting few weeks, and if the Mets keep winning, Beltran might not be going anywhere at all.