PHOENIX — Carlos Beltran is everybody’s favorite All-Star, and with the trading of Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers last night, the slugger soon may be San Francisco bound.
The Mets right fielder was the DH for the National League in their 5-1 victory over the American League last night at the 82nd All-Star Game. Earlier in the day, Beltran was one of the most popular players in the Red Carpet Parade that is held before every All-Star Game.
“I’d wave over here,” Beltran told The Post with a smile, demonstrating by waving with his left hand in front of his locker, “and people would cheer and say, ‘Please come to Detroit.’ I’d wave this way,” he said, demonstrating with his right hand, “and fans would be cheering, saying, ‘We want you in San Francisco.’ Yankee fans were calling for me, Boston fans. A lot of cities were calling for me.”
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson already has received calls from a number of teams about Beltran, though the Yankees are not one of them.
The Beltran action likely will pick up now that K-Rod is kaput.
The Giants would love to put Beltran in left field, sources say. Pitching prospect Zack Wheeler could be dealt to the Mets, who would have to eat a good portion of Beltran’s remaining salary, probably about $6 million.
Said another industry source: “The Mets want to start over and do this with their own players.”
During pre-game introductions, Giants closer Brian Wilson said of Beltran, “A guy we’d love to have in San Francisco.”
Wilson continued his praise of Beltran after the game, “I guess we’re in talks with them about Beltran. Just another perennial hitter. Could only help out a squad.”
Beltran, a complete professional, knows he is on the way out.
“It’s probably just a matter of time,” he told The Post as he dressed for the game. “Right now, though, I’m part of the New York Mets.”
Beltran left the ballpark by the time the Mets announced the Rodriguez trade.
He delivered an infield single in the fourth last night, getting quickly down the line and scored on Prince Fielder’s three-run home run.
“I feel really good,” said Beltran, who has played in 89 games this season. Only 10 All Stars have played in more.
“I owe it to Bruce Bochy for putting me on the team, but God is the one who really put me on this team.”
Bochy may soon be his manager again.