Carlos Beltran continues to be a cool customer in the postseason. The veteran outfielder played hero in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers last night by driving in all three runs, including the game-winner in the 13th inning. He also made a critical throw to nail Mark Ellis at home plate in the 10th.
Beltran’s teammates are at a loss to explain the guy’s remarkable postseason success, but Matt Carpenter attempted to give it a whirl while talking to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com.
“You know, we always joke about him,” Carpenter said with a laugh, “that we’ve got to put a monitor under his nose and check if he’s breathing. He’s so calm and relaxed in those situations, it’s like he’s got jazz music playing in his head.”
Any guesses on the song? I’d probably have to go with “Birdland.” Beltran digs that jazz-fusion.
By the way, Carpenter also suggested that perhaps Beltran’s nickname should be “Mr. Playoffs.” Not sure about that, but it’s certainly better than Señor Octubre.