Carlos Beltran told reporters after Sunday's game that his strong preference is to remain in the National League, but he did not fully rule out switching leagues. He has been more forceful in saying he would not go to the American League when discussing his status with confidants, according to Jayson Stark at ESPN's Rumor Central.

Writes Stark:

Carlos Beltran told a friend this weekend that despite his public statements that he would approve a trade to Texas or Boston, he has told the Mets he only wants to be traded to one of seven National League contenders, according to a source familiar with that conversation. The source, who was not present for the conversation, said Beltran doesn't want to approve a deal to Texas because the Rangers would want him to play center field and because he's not familiar with the AL West. Texas has been described by multiple sources to have ramped up its pursuit of Beltran over the weekend.

Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com believes the Rangers would use Beltran in right field, and move Josh Hamilton to center field and Nelson Cruz to left field. Gordon Edes or ESPNBoston.com said the Red Sox would use Beltran in right field.