In the one season A.J. Hinch had Carlos Beltran, the World Series champion manager understood the player had a desire to manage.
“Carlos always was curious about managing. He was always watching and asking questions and being curious. In a lot of ways, that is his nature. He is always curious. He always showed a lot of respect for the position, and I could tell it created a little interest in him,’’ Hinch wrote in an email to The Post on Wednesday morning hours before Beltran interviewed with the Yankees to be Joe Girardi’s replacement. “I didn’t think he would be interested so soon, but to know Carlos is to know that the loves players and helping them. He is a natural connector of people, so I can see how he would be drawn to the position.”
Beltran, a Yankee from 2014 to 2016, when he was dealt to the Rangers late in July, will be the sixth man interviewed by Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Like four others, the 40-year-old Beltran obviously doesn’t have major league managerial experience. He and Aaron Boone don’t have any coaching experience, either. Rob Thomson, Chris Woodward and Hensley Meulens have big league coaching experience. Eric Wedge has managed the Indians and Mariners.
Hinch was impressed by Beltran’s impact on the clubhouse in the final season of a 20-year career that ended with a .279 batting average, 435 homers, 1,587 RBIs, an .837 OPS and will draw serious Hall of Fame consideration.
“Beltran did a great job being a very stable person/player for our players. His steadiness and balanced approach to the clubhouse was really good for them. He was able to share a lot of what made him good for so long with our guys,’’ Hinch wrote. “I think the biggest thing our players took from Beltran was his attention to detail in everything. He always encouraged our players to find some competitive advantage or tip. It was fun to watch him connect with everyone on our team.’’
Moving from a player to manager involves a lot of change, but Hinch mentioned Beltran’s role this past season included mentoring.
“I think managing in the big leagues is hard in general, so naturally it would be an adjustment for him. Rarely do you see a player play into his 40s, so he was essentially a player/coach last season,’’ Hinch wrote of Beltran, who batted .231 with 14 homers, 51 RBIs and posted a .666 OPS. In 10 postseason games, Beltran went 3-for-20 (.150) and was limited to three World Series at-bats. “Making all the decisions and handling the media is different as a manager, but the game has never presented a challenge to Carlos he couldn’t handle. I’ve never been around a player more respected, so he would have the players’ support.’’