Beltran may seek Yank role
CARLOS Beltran may not have been the Yankees’ pick for manager, but he believes the team hit a home run in hiring Aaron Boone.
And even though the recently retired slugger struck out in his bid to become Yankee manager, Beltran won’t rule out joining the Yankees organization — where he played from 2014-16 — in some capacity going into next season. He confirmed that it’s something he’ll consider.
“Being back with the Yankees is something I have to discuss with the organization if they approach me to be part of it, and also with my family,” Beltran said. “(GM Brian) Cashman mentioned it, that it would be great if I’m back in a different role, but at the same time we haven’t discussed which role.”
Beltran, who was one of six men to interview for Yankees skipper job last month, says Boone is a “great” choice for the organization due to his lengthy history with MLB and his ability to connect with players.
“I think he’s great. I think he’s going to do a good job for the team,” Beltran told the Daily News on Tuesday at the Barclays Center, before accepting Sports Illustrated’s inaugural Hope Award. “He is passionate. He comes from a baseball family. His dad was a manager in the big leagues ... He will be able to communicate with the guys, there’s no doubt about that. We have to give him time to adjust to the new role.”
Beltran, 40, was the youngest of the six finalists for the job, which was vacated after the team decided to part ways with Joe Girardi after 10 seasons.
Beltran, who retired last month after winning his first World Series with the Houston Astros, has long been lauded for his leadership in the clubhouse, and many believe he’d make a strong manager.
Beltran was named the recipient of Sports Illustrated’s Hope Award due to his immense effort and contributions to his native Puerto Rico after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September.
The ex-outfielder, who spent most of the 2017 season as Houston’s designated hitter, founded a relief fund for Puerto Rico and donated $1 million to the cause as well. He made his first trip to the island last month, and has made multiple supply deliveries since retiring. THE KNICKS better learn how to play without Tim Hardaway Jr.
The guard will be out at least two weeks because of the “stress injury” to his right leg, according to the team, which added that Hardaway would only be “re-evaluated” after that timeframe. There were no further details about the diagnosis or whether the 25-year-old suffered a fracture.
The Knicks (11-12), losers of five of their last six, are 0-2 without Hardaway, who is averaging 17.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 34 minutes. He has dealt with injuries this season to his foot and calf, which may have contributed to a wear-and-tear situation with the stress ailment.
In the last two games, coach Jeff Hornacek started rookie Damyean Dotson in Hardaway’s spot and the Knicks fell to the Magic and Pacers.
They play seven games before Hardaway’s reevaluation, including tonight against the Grizzlies. Kristaps Porzingis, who missed the last two games with an ankle sprain, is probable for that matchup.
“We’ll figure it out,” Michael Beasley said. “We did at the beginning of the season when Tim was in his slump. So hopefully it’s not long-term with Tim. I wish him all the best. We love him. Just got to figure it out as a team.”
The “slump” Beasley referenced was Hardaway shooting just 26% in the first four games of the season. The Knicks won just one of those games. Following criticisms about his robust contract, Hardaway quickly demonstrated his improvements on defense and with his playmaking. He leads the team in minutes per game (34.1), a career high.
“He’s got the ability to be outside but he can also drive the ball,” Hornacek said. “That 3-point threat makes guys get up on him and allows him to drive. He can get a shot off any time he wants, which not a lot of our guys can. We have a few that can. Guys that can create their own stuff are important. Tim’s played great for us so far, so it’s a tough loss for us right now.”
KNICKS vs. GRIZZLIES 7:30 on MSG