Why Carlos Beltran Will Bounce Back

As the Yankees look forward to 2015, one thing is for certain. They must get better offensive production from right field. Once upon a time, there would have been no concern if the alternatives were Carlos Beltran and Ichiro Suzuki. But now, a cloud is hanging over the position. 

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¨It wasn´t the year I was expecting,¨ Beltran said according to  quotedaddy.com. ¨But I do believe next year will be different.¨

But with Beltran struggling to stay healthy and Ichiro’s batting average in 2014 at .284, should the Yankees look elsewhere?

The popular  names that have been circulating are Melky Cabrera and Nelson Cruz. They would seem to be the biggest prizes. A return of Cabrera would be particularly exciting.

But before the Yankees go searching for greener pastures, is there any solid evidence that Beltran´s belief in himself may be more than just words?

Actually, there is lots of evidence. Carlos has bounced back throughout his career. In 2000 he hit just seven home runs. In 2001, he more than tripled that total with 24. In 2005 he homered only 16 times. In 2006, he more than doubled  that with 41. In 2010 he slipped to seven again. Then in 2011 he more than tripled that again with 22.

So that has been the pattern of his career. And if that pattern holds true, his belief in himself should result in the kind of production that Yankee fans were expecting in 2014.

As for Suzuki, the Yankees should bring him back, even if it is primarily for his solid defense. Maybe he is only a .280 hitter at this point. But he plays all three outfield positions well, and he still gets clutch hits.

Of course, Rob Refsnyder and Zoilo Almonte could also work themselves into the outfield equation. The Yankees must find a place for Refsnyder. And remember Almonte´s exciting debut? That was not so long ago.

So a cloud may be drifting over rightfield in Yankee Stadium right now, but the sun may soon come shining through.