JUPITER, Fla. • The way outfielder Carlos Beltran remembers the conversation that happened last year in the New York Mets' clubhouse is that other players were talking about pitcher Jon Niese getting a nose job.

Beltran only remembers offering to foot the bill for it.

"What if I pay?" Beltran recalled saying when asked this morning in the Cardinals' clubhouse about Niese's new nose. "Will you do it?"

Niese, 25, revealed on Monday that he had a nose job during the winter, one that he told reporters up in Port St. Lucie, Fla., was not only cosmetically more appealing but also helpful with his breathing. In one of those strange twists to the story, however, the pitcher said that he only got the nose job because Beltran offered to cover it. Niese told reporters, per this report by Adam Rubin at ESPNNewYork.com, that Beltran "wanted me to have a new nose."

Beltran wrinkled his nose at the idea he would suggest a person get plastic surgery. 

He called the idea that he would encourage it "impossible."

He hopes Niese knows this about the nose, that it wasn't his intention to imply the need for a new one.

He will, however, pay for it.

"He ended up doing it, and I have to pay for it," Beltran said. "I did get the bill. I’ve waited to go there and give it to him personally."

Beltran reported to Cardinals camp late Wednesday, and he's set to take part in his first workout with his new team this morning. Shortly after Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels, Beltran signed a two-year, $26-million deal with the Cardinals to be their starting right fielder and part-time center fielder. The switch-hitter finished last season with the San Francisco Giants after being traded by the Mets. Beltran finished with a .300 average, a .525 slugging percentage and a .910 OPS, which put him among the leaders in the National League in offensive production.

The Cardinals envision Beltran as their No. 2 hitter, though manager Mike Matheny has talked about toying with the lineup throughout spring to see where his All-Star hitters fit best.

Beltran said he'll take Niese the check when the Cardinals play the Mets in March during Grapefruit League play.

He has not yet seen a picture of the new look he purchased Niese.

"He doesn't have to pay $10,000 for his nose," Beltran joked.

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