"In his first 14 seasons as general manager, Brian Sabean dogmatically stuck to a philosophy of not trading good prospects for rental players. In desperate times, a leader needs to stuff philosophy into the closet and do what needs to be done.

Sabean took the plunge Wednesday in agreeing to acquire six-time All-Star Carlos Beltran from the New York Mets. According to a source, Sabean made it known the Giants were sending to New York right-handed pitcher Zack Wheeler, their 2009 first-round draft pick.

The deal is expected to be finalized today, with Beltran starting in right field for tonight's series finale against the Phillies.

According to numerous reports, the Mets will pay $4 million of the roughly $6 million remaining on Beltran's contract, which expires after the season.

Giants players all knew of the impending deal. All those asked about it after a 2-1 victory against the Phillies were thrilled.

"It can't do anything but help us," catcher Eli Whiteside said. "He was hot when we played against him before the break. I hope he stays that way."

Closer Brian Wilson publicly lobbied for Beltran during the All-Star break and said Wednesday, "I threw a positive vibe out there for a good player. I didn't do anything ... or did I?"

This deal represents the biggest midsesason hitting acquisition in Sabean's tenure as general manager, on par with his 2001 trade for pitcher Jason Schmidt, and should provide an instant boost to what has been a woeful offense since Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez got hurt."