David Lennon of Newsday talked to Carlos Beltran about the media’s relationship with athletes. Let’s just say the Yankee responded like a true pro.

“I feel like it’s my job,” Beltran said. “For fans out there, [reporters] are the voice of what’s happening, so they can know what’s going on in the clubhouse and around the game.

“Honestly speaking, it’s not every day I feel like talking. That’s human nature. But I know that it’s my responsibility to be here and answer the questions. I don’t need to answer every question. But I know that sometimes when you play a game and something goes wrong, people want to talk about it.”

And this from Beltran:

Beltran, with eight years in New York under his belt, is pretty much an elder statesman now. He had a few rocky moments in Flushing but has never ducked the attention.

“You always have to be professional,” Beltran said. “I have to be professional with you, but at the same time, you have to be professional with me. It’s got to be a two-way street.”