Carlos Beltran Formally Introduced As The Newest Member of The Yankees

Dec 20, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran and wife Jessica Beltran during a introductory press conference at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

For the third time this offseason, the New York Yankees held an introductory press conference. Today, it was Carlos Beltran‘s turn to be given the royal treatment by the Yankees and the media. As with Brian McCann, Beltran who has two young children, were given gifts (Yankees jackets) by general manager Brian Cashman, and his wife Jessica was given a bouquet of flowers by manager Joe Girardi.

Once the niceties were completed, Cashman and Girardi discussed what bringing Beltran into the Yankee fold meant for the lineup, along with his leadership and success in the postseason. Beltran took to the podium and stated how he had grown up as both a fan of the Yankees, and his favorite player Bernie Williams. Beltran briefly discussed how he almost became a Yankee, and because of finances and the years he was looking to receive, the Yankees traded for Randy Johnson and Beltran became a New York Met.

There wasn’t much to learn or question, as if the usual case in introductory press conferences. Beltran brings something to the Yankees they have lacked since the days of Paul O’ Neill in right field: a productive postseason performer. Beltran’s ability to switch-hit, will give Joe Girardi multiple ways to expose opposing team’s pitchers, and the attempt to replace the greatness and offensive prowess of Robinson Cano, by addressing both the outfield and catcher positions, actually lengthens the lineup much more than had New York just brought Cano back and called it a day.

Beltran added that he takes his job very seriously, and when asked what he had left in the tank moving forward, he added that in his 15 major league seasons, he still hadn’t won a World Series, and that he hopes that he gets that chance over the next three, and that he believed the Yankees gave him the best opportunity to do so.

Watch a portion of the Carlos Beltran introductory press conference by clicking below, courtesy of the YES Network: