Q: What do you know about the tradition of New York center fielders?

A: Willie Mays, DiMaggio, Mantle, all those guys. I know there are a lot of expectations of me, and I will do the best I can.

Q: Why is playing center field so much fun?

A: I like to run down balls and dive and make catches.

Q: If you were a fan, would you go watch Carlos Beltran play baseball?

A: If I was a fan? I would go watch.

Q: Have you watched films of Willie Mays playing center field?

A: Only a few … most of the time the play that he made (on Vic Wertz in ’54 Series).

Q: Can you make that catch?

A: I don’t know. That’s something that needs to happen (smiles).

Q: What’s the secret to stealing bases?

A: Looking at the pitcher and try to figure something that he’s doing different. That and just timing.

Q: How does your wife feel about you now being a sex symbol in New York?

A: A sex symbol? I don’t know, you need to ask that question to her (smiles).

Q: How will she handle that?

A: We know the responsibility we have being in a major city like New York, so we’re gonna handle this the way it should be handled.

Q: Will you ever grow your hair like Johnny Damon?

A: That’s not my style.

Q: Describe George Steinbrenner.

A: Seems like a nice guy. He’s a businessman.

Q; How are Steinbrenner and Fred Wilpon different?

A: Fred is more quiet, more like behind the scene.

Q: Was Steinbrenner intimidating?

A: Not to me.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: My dad, my mom and … my family. I’m a family man. I just love being around my family.

Q: Two people in history you would like to meet.

A: Roberto Clemente and Michael Jordan.

Q: Three wishes.

A: Health, success and … health and success.

Q: Last time you cried?

A: Last year, after the playoffs. I went to Puerto Rico. There’d be a party for me and they wanted me to say a few words. I couldn’t say anything because I was so impressed about the support they gave to me that I started crying.

Q: What do you remember about the first time you visited New York?

A: Cold weather. But this is a great city where there’s a lot to do. You go in Times Square, it’s amazing. All those lights … it’s impressive.

Q: Most embarrassing moment?

A: Last year. You know when the press asks you questions in the All-Star Game? I was sitting on the edge and a reporter hit the chair and I fell back.

Q: One thing you wish you could change about yourself.

A: Nothing. I am the way I am because that’s the way God wants me to be.

Q: Favorite childhood memory?

A: When we won the Little League championship in Puerto Rico. I was 10 years old and I was gonna represent my country.

Q: Were there things you wanted as a child you couldn’t get?

A: Not really. My dad worked to take care of my mom, me, my brother and my two sisters. Every Christmas we asked for bikes and we always got them.

Q: How did you propose to your wife?

A: By telephone. Jessica was in Puerto Rico and I was in Kansas City, and I told her that I want to get married with her. She was shocked.

Q: Your first date with Jessica.

A: Feb. 14, 1998. We went dancing.

Q: Are you a better dancer or center fielder?

A: Both.

Q: Have you spoken to (countryman switch-hitter) Bernie Williams yet?

A: No, but I will. He’s a guy that knows the city. I want to buy a place and I will ask him for advice.

Q: Where are you looking?

A: We don’t know. We want to see the different options.

Q: Who do you invite to your celebrity golf benefit in Puerto Rico?

A: Chi Chi Rodriguez, Javier Vazquez, Carlos Delgado will be there.

Q: Will you play?

A: I don’t know if I will do good but I will play (laughs).

Q: Best advice from your father?

A: Always say the truth and be honest.

Q: Best advice from your mother?

A: If you want to earn respect, you gotta respect others.

Q: Pet peeve?

A: Lazy people.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “John Q.”

Q: Favorite actor?

A: Denzel Washington.

Q: Favorite singer?

A: Marc Anthony.

Q: Favorite book?

A: The Bible.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: ESPN.