Mets Grant Beltran Time Off To Pursue Tennis Career

Carlos Beltran was not in the line up on Friday afternoon when the Mets faced the Cubs at Wrigley Field.  While the Mets have been committed to getting Beltran rest in between starts today's absence was something completely different.  As it turns out, Beltran was not at Wrigley.  Heck, he wasn't even in Chicago.  The Mets center fielder was back in Flushing preparing for a mens doubles match at the U.S. Open. 

Apparently, during his rehab, Beltran spent a lot of time working out with tennis player and avid Mets fan James Blake.  The two got to talking and Blake was able to recruit the outfielder as his doubles partner. 

Of course the move would be pending the approval of the Mets but the team had surprisingly little opposition to the move provided Beltran agree to a couple of terms.  The first condition stated that any injury Beltran sustains would allow the Mets to void his contract.  The second was that the Mets would receive an undisclosed percentage of any prize winnings should the pair finish in the money.

As for Blake, he is thrilled with his new partner.  "I think at this stage in his career, this is the perfect speed for him.", said Blake.  "He doesn't have to cover a lot of ground and he doesn't have to hit the ball hard.  His finesse game is perfect for doubles tennis."

The day turned out to be a successful one for the team of Blake & Beltran, as they defeated the team of  Hidalgo and Marrero of Spain 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.  Beltran had said he would attempt to fly to Chicago to be available to pinch hit but the Mets told him not to worry about it. 

All articles featured on The Apple are fictitious. No Mets were harmed in the writing of this story.

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