Carlos Beltran has been hired by YES Network as a game analyst and is expected to call 36 games.

The 20-year veteran emerged as an intriguing candidate for YES, which was looking to fill a void left when David Cone joined ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” team and Ken Singleton retired.

That opened the door for Beltran, who has been away from the game since he was dismissed as Mets manager in January 2020, less than three months after he was hired, in the wake of the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. He did not manage a single game.

In his career, Beltran hit 149 home runs, drove in 559 runs, earned three Gold Glove awards and two Silver Slugger awards in seven years with the Mets, and was a key piece of the team’s 2006 NLCS run. He played in parts of three seasons with the Yankees near the end of his career.

Kevin Durant may not actually play in the game, but for the 12th time, he is an All-Star — and for the second time, a captain.

The Nets forward, who is currently sidelined by a sprained MCL, was announced as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game. He was also named a captain for the second straight year as the leading vote-getter in the Eastern Conference.

Durant was putting together an MVP-caliber season before suffering his knee injury in mid-January. In 36 games, he was averaging a league-high 29.3 points to go with 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 36.5 minutes.

Coach Steve Nash said that Durant would be reevaluated within the next week, declining to confirm or deny a report that Durant would miss the All-Star Game to continue his rehab.

A majority of the exotic dancers who perform at Rick’s Cabaret New York, the upscale gentlemen’s club famous for the VIP treatment and warm hospitality that guests receive, are predicting that the Cincinnati Bengals will beat the Los Angeles Rams.

“I did a quick survey of the girls and it was close, but most of us think the Bengals will win,” explained Rick’s Cabaret girl Lucinda.

“The Bengals are the underdogs against the Rams,” said Rick’s Cabaret girl Nadine. “But I think Cincy wins.”

“I love the Bengals and especially QB Joe Burrow,” said Rick’s Cabaret girl Melanie. “The Bengals will surprise and win big!”

Rick’s Cabaret girl Veronica proclaimed, “It’s going to be close, but I think the Bengals get the trip to Disneyland, but they should come to Rick’s Cabaret!”

Located across the street from the Empire State Building and just one block from Madison Square Garden, the three-story Rick’s Cabaret features private VIP Suites, Deluxe Sky Boxes, and luxurious amenities. The top-rated Rick’s Steakhouse on the second floor is under the direction of acclaimed Chef Jayson Margulies and features late-night dining.

Rick’s Cabaret New York
50 West 33rd Street
*** RICK: NASDAQ Listed
*** Beautiful Entertainers
*** VIP Suites, Deluxe Sky Boxes
*** Rick’s Steakhouse, Open Late
*** Daily Lunch Specials