Atomic RoadRunners

The Cubs have “checked on” free agent reliever Kiko Calero, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com. They’re concerned about his shoulder, however, and wouldn’t be willing to offer much of a contract. Calero, 34, posted an impressive 1.95 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 69/30 K/BB ratio in 60 innings this season for the Marlins but he made only five appearances in 2008 due to a torn rotator cuff and he experienced soreness in the same region last season. The Giants also expressed interest in the right-hander as recently as one week ago. (Rotoworld)

Carlos Beltran underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee Wednesday afternoon and is expected to be idle for the next 12 weeks. The Mets released a statement on the matter just moments ago stating that Beltran began experiencing “osteoarthritis of the right knee” several weeks ago “to the point where pre-spring training conditioning became too painful.” He opted to undergo the procedure through his own personal doctor and will almost certainly miss the first month of the season, if not more. The Mets may rush to sign another outfielder before spring training begins. (Rotoworld)

Follow-up: ESPN’s Eric Karabell touts Pagan:

Angel Pagan: Draft this guy! Pagan is going to replace Beltran in center field, and while I’d never compare these two players — one could end up with Hall of Fame votes and the other has journeyman written all over him — the fact is that Pagan played well in 2009. He hit 11 triples in half a season. His overall OPS matched that of David Wright, who contended for the batting title. Pagan hit .306, with a .333 average and .938 OPS at unfavorable Citi Field. I’m more likely to make Pagan, a potential double-double guy, my last-round mixed-league pick than take Beltran in the top 100. Let’s not get crazy here, since regular playing time likely will expose Pagan over time. My point is if Pagan performs anything like he did in 2009, there’s yet another reason for Beltran to be treated with patience and caution.