Beltran finally a Yankee

Closer to the end of his long career than the start, Carlos Beltran finally got to put on the uniform of his favorite childhood team. The eight-time All-Star was introduced at a Yankee Stadium news conference Friday after signing a three-year deal worth $45 million that was agreed to two weeks ago but made official on Thursday. Sporting his No. 36 jersey and joined by his two daughters and his wife, Beltran talked about how much he admired the Yankees while growing up in Puerto Rico, and how close he came to joining them in 2005. “Having the opportunity to come back again as a Yankee really means a lot to me. I grew up being a Yankee fan. Grew up being a Bernie Williams fan,” said Beltran, who played for the Spokane Indians in 1996. – Associated Press