Houston Astros: Carlos Beltran should be the new bench coach in 2018

Though not a great player in 2017, the services of Carlos Beltran can still be utilized by this Houston Astros organization in a different way!

Word came out on Sunday afternoon that Alex Cora, Houston Astros bench coach, has been officially hired by the Red Sox to be their new skipper. With that in mind, I propose that Carlos Beltran fill in the shoes left behind by Cora.

When you think about it, it really is the most logical choice the organization can make. It saves them from having to do an extensive search. Additionally, they may even be able to save on some cost from the pocketbook.

Here are two good reasons why Beltran fits the bill:

1. The Final Countdown!

The Houston Astros are advancing to the World Series! Yes folks, let that continue to sink in! The spacemen are just four victories away from the world title.

Of all the things missing in Beltran’s Hall of Fame resume, a ring is the biggest one. His stats have already far lived up to what most inductees are capable of. That is, if you don’t count his stats from 2017.

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I’ll admit, I have been quite hard on the veteran this season. Mostly, because he has taken a lot of playing time away from Evan Gattis, who I feel was shafted out of a lot of potential record breaking moments this season.

All of that aside, Carlos Beltran being promoted to the rank of a coach would free up a roster spot. You could put in a third catcher like Juan Centeno. That would take care of the injury and DH shift issue, despite it being a fairly minor one at that.

Or, more logically, a super utility guy like Tyler White, who has catching experience himself, can be like a Marwin Gonzalez 2.0. With the Great White, you get the added benefit of him being a past backstop.

Again, he could take reps when pitchers and catchers report, and you would only need to utilize him in an injury emergency. With the depth you have for position players, anything is and can be possible if you free up Carlos Beltran with a coach promotion.

2. Fearless Leader

The Astros got rattled while up in the Bronx for the American League Championship. They were down three games to two. Beltran, along with veteran starting catcher, Brian McCann, were perennial in pep talking the team afterwards.

Whatever was said, it caused the spark that ignited the team to win the pennant and advance. Realistically, Beltran and McCann knew the very weaknesses of the Yankees, and could have potentially exploited those to the team.

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Regardless, there is no denying that Beltran is a presence to this team and organization. So, what better way to keep utilizing his services then by making him a coach? Additionally, what better coach to make him then the very one closest to skipper, A.J. Hinch?

In Conclusion: Trade the Player Gear for Some Clipboards!

Beltran is a shoe in to be inducted to the Hall of Fame. However, if he doesn’t concede his playing days soon, his stats will continue to take a hit. Father Time has caught up to him, there’s just no denying that.

Additionally, players like Evan Gattis and Tyler White need to have more of a shot. Giving the bear and the shark increased roles won’t dent the depth you have of players all that much. If anything, the offense will get even better than it already is.

Next: Astros: Three reasons why it was the World Series or bust

This is the only scenario I see where players, coaches and the organization all simultaneously win. It will be interesting to see what happens over the winter off season.

But for now, let’s cheer the Astros on to a World Series victory, shall we?!?

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