Carlos Beltran might have been injured badly in the play at the wall when he stole a grand slam from David Ortiz, but he did not die. That is all the matters to the 16-year veteran. CBS Sport's Jon Heyman was a bit dramatic about the whole thing in a tweet during Game 1, but Beltran stated in a postgame interview that he would have to be killed in order to be removed from the Cardinals' lineup.
If anything, Heyman should have guessed that Beltran would be back. The math only makes sense. If Beltran could walk, run, swing the bat, not even, simply by being able to get up Beltran would have plugged himself in the lineup and attempted to will it out in the outfield. Of course, it is the World Series and one should think of the entire team, but this is Beltran's first true chance to win a championship.
16 years and bruised ribs are going to get in the way? It would take a broken leg or maybe a concussion to pry Beltran away from the field. Beltran is a player who has been through multiple injuries in his career. He understands what it is to play through pain. Anyways, a Beltran at 50 percent is better than Shane Robinson and Jon Jay combined.
Beltran went 2-4 at the plate with two singles and an RBI. The power was not present in his two hits, but he provided insurance for the Cardinals as they took a 4-2 lead into the latter stage of the game. Without Beltran in the lineup, the Cardinals are too weak. They needed the Red Sox to destroy themselves in Game 2, but Beltran adds depth to the lineup and is a great defensive outfielder, though his speed has diminished in recent years.
Beltran is one of this generation's best players. Many will always debate whether or not he is a Hall of Fame candidate, but winning a chip would make Beltran a winner and people love winners. This would increase his chances of going to the Hall as he is already one of the best postseason performers to ever play the game.
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The Cardinals will host the next three following games at Busch Stadium. Here is a look at their schedule as they hope Beltran can remain healthy as they chase after their 12th World Series.
Game 3: Saturday, Oct. 26
Game 4: Sunday, Oct. 27
Game 5: Monday, Oct. 28