Perhaps the non-mandatory visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center shouldn’t be a big story considering it was an optional team event. However, the fact that Carlos Beltran, along with Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez, skipped the event really puts these individuals in perspective.

This isn’t a political commentary. Whether you agree with the current battles going on around the world or not, there has to be a level of respect for those that serve the country. If you can’t take time out on a road trip to visit the men and women who serve this country, then something is wrong. What could these three have better to do? Visit the Washington Monument? Extra BP? Work out? I think not. What those three Mets did accomplish is show why this team is fractured, and needs to be fixed.

Think about someone like R.A. Dickey, who has done charitable work in other countries. The guy works hard, competes, and comes to win every day, even in a lost season like 2010. He looks across the room and watches this trio play passionless baseball, yet continue to earn a big paycheck. Should it be a surprise that this trio won’t take time out to honor our veterans? Oliver Perez wouldn’t downgrade his season to AAA status, preferring to sit in the Citi Field bullpen, as the highest paid spectator in the building. Why would I expect him to understand the plight of a solider that lost their legs in battle? Do you think someone like Dickey is going to respect people like that? What kind of example is this to some of the younger players?

This situation doesn’t necessarily translate to the field directly, but it tells you why you have a team largely pulling in different directions. It shows why multiple players have asked out the last month when Jeff Francoeur and Rod Barajas were traded away. The manager is a constant double talk, the roster is full of underachievers not held accountable, and the lack of respect for the organization is widespread. A negative atmosphere will pull down even the most talented of clubs. Perhaps the Mets deserve this because of the poor infrastructure they have in place. Regardless, this “non mandatory event” gives you a peek into the issues that surround the character of this ballclub.

You could understand the disappointing results on the field, but this behavior off it explains a great deal about the character of some in this clubhouse.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo, New York Mets, Oliver Perez, Walter Reed Army Medical Center