Beltran's hot bat leading Astros' offense

HOUSTON (AP) _ When Carlos Beltran was traded to the Houston Astros, he already was considered among baseball's top all-around players. <br/><br/>About the only thing Beltran hadn't shown was whether

Friday, October 15th 2004, 7:28 pm

By: News On 6

HOUSTON (AP) _ When Carlos Beltran was traded to the Houston Astros, he already was considered among baseball's top all-around players.

About the only thing Beltran hadn't shown was whether he could do it under the scrutiny that comes with playing in October.

Seven games into his first postseason -- Beltran is proving he can do it all.

Beltran is hitting .448 in the playoffs with six homers.

He's scored 12 runs and knocked in 12, stolen two bases and made several great catches in center field.

The only ways the 27-year-old has been slowed have been by a fastball to the ribs -- and through the respect of getting walked.

The Astros tomorrow continue their series with St. Louis.