Beltram signs on dotted line

The New York Yankees beefed up their batting strength and probable postseason prowess by formally signing free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran, an eight-time All-Star, to a three-year contract worth $45 million on Thursday.

The agreement was reached on Dec 6 but the signing was delayed until Beltran had passed a medical. He was to be introduced at a Yankee Stadium news conference on Friday.

Beltran, 36, has a .283 career batting average in the majors with 1,346 runs, 446 doubles, 358 home runs, 1,327 runs batted in and 308 stolen bases and earned the nickname "the new Mr October" because of his clutch hitting in the playoffs.