New York Mets edition – Good help is hard to find (Carlos Beltran)

Recently hired New York Mets manager is in the middle of the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. His involvement could radically alter the Amazins locker room dynamic.

While the full ramifications of the Astros cheating tech scandal remain to be seen, one aspect continues to be undersold. What exactly was Carlos Beltran‘s role, and how will it impact him moving forward in his new role with the New York Mets.

Beltran was a respected elder statesman, every team wanted someone like him on their roster. A talented hitter, he could provide some pop off the bench. The former MVP was a role player, and could offer advice and counsel to almost anyone on a roster. Houston adding him to their mix made perfect sense.

The Astros won a championship with Beltran and the 20-year MLB veteran rode off into the sunset. That’s the picture-perfect ending. Now he’s a hot young manager, with plenty of big-game experience and great communication skills. Number 15 is back in Queens to help the New York Mets take a leap forward. Until now…

Beltran was involved in what is becoming the biggest scandal since Chick Gandil decided sticking it to Charlie Comiskey and his penny pinching was worth destroying the integrity of the sport. You might think I’m exaggerating but how different is an entire team cheating against 5 to 8 guys (depending on who you believe) giving 50 percent?

MLB is in uncharted territory with this situation. Commissioner Rob Manfred has already implied there are going to be “example setting” levels of discipline for this. It also has leaked out that he will offer leniency in exchange for transparency. That adds another wrinkle to Beltran’s situation.

Baseball players abide at times ridiculous code of conduct from an unwritten rulebook. Selling out your team and peers isn’t the top of unforgivable sins, but its pretty close.

More from New York Mets

• Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
• PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
• Get $500 in Bonus Bets to Back Yankees or Mets With PointsBet New York Promo
• PointsBet is Offering New Yorkers FIVE $50 Bonus Bets This Week For MLB, NHL, and NBA Games!
• Caesars is Offering New York’s Best Sportsbook Promo (Unlock $1,250 Bonus Today!)

On one hand, if Beltran were to cooperate, it would follow him and impact the way he is thought of by his players and coaches.

On the other hand, by keeping his mouth shut may ruslt in severe pealties. A lengthy suspension is not the way to start off a managerial career, and the taint will last forever.

Another point I haven’t seen raised is that Beltran will be punished as an executive, not a player or uniformed personnel. Without the weight of the MLB Players Association behind him, he has even less leverage dealing with baseball’s investigators. If Beltran does draw a harsh penalty it also severely limits the option he has in appealing it.

This is both an unprecidented and fluid situation. The next few months should be intersting to, say the leasy.