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Houston Astros: Three options better than Carlos Beltran right now

By James Zeankowski

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 31: Carlos Beltran #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after being hit with a pitch by pitcher Jose Leclerc of the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning of a game on August 31, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 31: Carlos Beltran #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after being hit with a pitch by pitcher Jose Leclerc of the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning of a game on August 31, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)  Houston Astros designated hitter Carlos Beltran
(Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)  Houston Astros designated hitter Carlos Beltran /

Crunch Time is now in effect for the Houston Astros. This means the $16 million man, Carlos Beltran, may need to be humble and sit down!

The Houston Astros signed Carlos Beltran in the off season to bring yet another veteran face to the organization. For a one-year, $16 million deal, the expectations have been pretty high for the future HOF’er.

Unfortunately, he has not lived up to any of them in the 2017 season.

As of this writing, his season slash line is an abysmal .232/.285/.392/.677. In September alone, it’s an even worse and minuscule .182/.250/.318/.568. Very unbecoming of, arguably, one of the best switch hitters to ever play the game.

His career numbers have rivaled the likes of other switch hitting legends, like Pete Rose and Chipper Jones. But 2017 has seen Father Time catch up to Beltran in a big way. When your teammates hold a funeral for your outfield glove, that’s never a good sign. Even if it is just for comedic value.

The Houston Astros are certainly a lock for the AL West division. But all eyes are on the prize that is the World Series. Especially, since the Cleveland Indians are riding a historic and record-breaking 21 game win streak. Of all teams in the playoffs, they pose the biggest threat to the spacemen.

In order to stand up to them and their stellar pitching, you need the best hitters you can. Despite what he’s being paid, Carlos Beltran is just not clutch this season. But many other players that have had to fight for playing time all season are far better difference makers than the long time veteran.

So who could possibly fill in for “Ivan” at the DH spot? Three particular players come to mind!

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