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null  Jim Molony Carlos Beltran enters the free-agent market this winter. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

"We got Andy [Pettitte] and Roger [Clemens] and Jeff Kent here, didn't we?" McLane said. "Remember, some people thought that wouldn't happen. Our goal has never changed -- we want to be champions, and we'll do whatever we can to facilitate that. We're committed to becoming champions for our fans, and we're going to try to persuade Carlos to come back."

McLane footed the bill for a franchise-record $78 million payroll to add Clemens, Pettitte and Beltran to a team that already had Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio and Kent. Injuries to Pettitte and Wade Miller, as well as an offensive slump for much of the season, derailed Houston's ambitious spring plans, but McLane hasn't yet given up on this season.

He also hasn't given up hope on bringing back Beltran -- who is about to become the best player on the free-agent market this winter -- even though such a move would certainly mean another record team payroll.

"We've had some conversations with Carlos and his agent (Scott Boras), and we've let them know that we would like to have him back," McLane said. "It was just a conversation to let them know our position and to visit with them and get an idea of where they are with regards to [Beltran's] situation."

McLane said no negotiations were under way, and characterized the meeting as informal. The Astros understand Beltran is being eyed by a number of teams, and that he would like to see what's out there. But they also want an opportunity to make a pitch of their own to the 27-year-old.

The team is getting its foot in the door early. The Astros understand what bringing back the switch-hitter could mean for the franchise in the long term.

Beltran is one of the most gifted players in the game. If he hits two more home runs, he would become only the fourth player -- joining Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez -- in Major League history to record 40 homers and 40 steals in a season. He covers the vast center field area at Minute Maid Park with unmatched grace and has given the Houston offense a boost with his booming bat and baserunning.

On and off the field, Beltran is a perfect fit for the franchise. He is the caliber of person, and the type of player, who the Astros would love to have as the cornerstone of the future roster.

To lock in a switch-hitting slugger like Beltran in the middle of the lineup with another switch-hitting slugger like the 28-year-old Berkman long term would give the Astros a powerful tandem to continue building around.

Beltran said he has enjoyed playing for the Astros and, especially, being in the postseason chase. But any decision about his future won't come until he's weighed every scenario after meeting with Boras this winter. Beltran has also said that any decision he makes won't be based purely on money. He would like to play for a team that can go all the way.

"This is a great organization. There is a lot of talent on this team," Beltran said. "At the same time, the owner and the front office have to go after some other guys, too, because I don't want to sign here for five years and see Berkman go or some other guys.

"If I stay, those guys have got to stay with me because they are the future of the organization. Berkman is having a great year. [Roy] Oswalt is one of the best pitchers in baseball. If I stay, of course I want them to stay too."

Berkman, who made $6.5 million this season, is up for arbitration and will be a free agent after the 2005 season. Oswalt, who leads the NL with 19 victories, avoided arbitration last year by signing a one-year deal worth $3.25 million. Both would like long-term deals and both are in line for healthy raises.

Bagwell will receive $15 million for 2005, not counting the next-to-last $3 million payment on his signing bonus. Pettitte is owed $8.5 million for 2005. And McLane is also trying to lure back Roger Clemens for another season in Houston.

Bringing that cast back would be expensive, but it would improve Houston's chances of keeping Beltran. The Astros can't win a bidding war with the likes of other suitors with deeper pockets.

Houston will make a competitive offer financially and hope the other aspects of the team's presentation will make the Astros' offer the most attractive.

The last time McLane gave the green light on a long-term deal with an outfielder was four years ago, when the club gave a four-year, $32 million to Richard Hidalgo. That one didn't turn out so well. But McLane is not going to let that experience hinder his efforts to re-sign Beltran.

Conventional wisdom says Beltran will head to a major market next year, but that thinking gives short shrift to McLane's ability as a salesman and general manager Gerry Hunsicker's record of assembling contending rosters. Kent, Pettitte and Clemens all came to Houston when many assumed the Astros had no shot.

Houston fans can only hope McLane can come up with the best pitch for Beltran.

"We talked about the city. He asked me if I like the ballpark, things like that. I said, 'Of course,'" Beltran said. "Then he said they are very interested in me, and at the same time I let him know I don't want to be here by myself. He told me that all the years that he's had the team they have always been a good team. He always tries to put a good team [together] for the city. That's a good mentality from the owner."

And one that will, perhaps, enable the Astros to hold on to Beltran.

Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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