The 'Tran Train is Back

"El esta Aqui," the words that last year made some bite their tounges and some roar and cheer for him.  But the 2007 Carlos Beltran is no more.  The 2007 Carlos Beltran roller coaster ride is gone.  The inconsistnacy of last year (10 HRs in the first half and 23 in the second half), should be gone for 2008.  Beltran was plagued by injuries all of last season that didn't allow him to play to his full power hitting potential.  Although 33 HRs, 113 RBIs, 23 SBs and a .276 BA may not be considered a bad year for most major leaguers for Carlos that is just not okay.  At times Carlos would have walkoffs that made us cheer but the next day he would come up to bat at a crucial moment and blow it with a strikeout (See: 2006 playoffs).  Carlos has a whole offseason to get back on track and get healthy to be alot more consistent in 2008.  We look for Carlos to bring that batting average up and consistently get those extra base hits that will score Reyes or Castillo when they got on base at the top of the order.  One stat that I do believe will decline in 2008 for Carlos is Stolen Bases.  Because of Carlos' history of injuries in the hips, it will slow down his jump for second and cause a decline in the statistical category.  Carlos is the leader of this new revamped outfield.  Carlos should also be great in the outfield with his rocket arm that should help out the stellar defense that the Mets will show off in the final year at Shea.

2008 Predictions: .282, 35 HRs, 118 RBIs, .530 SLG,  20 SBs, 75 BBs

2008 NL East CF Predictions

1) Carlos Beltran (NYM)- Yep, he's the best out there when it comes to leading the outfield in the NL East.  Look for his numbers to improve in 2008 when he is healthier after a nice offseason.

2)Shane Victorino (Phi)- Now that Aaron Rowand is gone, Shane Victorino takes his place, with less power numbers, Victorino will be alright.  He will steal around 40 bases and bat around .275 for an okay season.

3) L-Millz (Wsh)- Yeah... Lastings is back in NL East, but this time with the Nats.  Milledge was traded in a terrible offseason trade for Schneider and Church.  L is still young but will only get better.

4) Cody Ross(Fla)- Could bat around .300 but will split time with other utility players since none of the Marlins are good.

5) Mark Kotsay (Atl)-  The worst outfielder in Atlanta overshadowed by Franceour.