Carlos Beltran told the Kansas City Star that he’d be interested in signing a long-term deal with the Royals at the end of the season if he thinks the team is moving in the right direction. He says he doesn’t want to sign anything until then. Beltran’s current contract expires at the end of the season and the Royals would like to re-sign him during the season or make a trade. Beltran has yet to play in 2003 because of a strained oblique. He’s expected back next week.