When the Bombers crack the regular-season seal on the new joint, April 16 against Cleveland, Bob (Rapping Roberto) Costas will handle the play-by-play, joined by analysts Harold Reynolds and Jim Kaat.

Kaat “retired” from broadcasting following the 2006 campaign after 12 consecutive seasons (13 overall) behind a Yankees’ TV microphone. In July of 2008, his wife, Mary Ann, died after suffering complications from bladder cancer.

In an interview last November, Kaat expressed displeasure with the state of the game. Watching a game as a “civilian” revealed warts he didn’t see as a broadcaster.

“When you are doing a game you get wrapped up in the production. Things keep rolling along,” Kaat said. “But when you sit back and watch a game as a spectator, as a viewer, and you’re someone who has put so much time into baseball as I have, you say, ‘Man, what have they done to the game?’ ”

The fact that he’s headed back to broadcasting likely means Kaat became tired of being just a “viewer.” Kaat’s first return engagement was with MLB International during its coverage of the World Baseball Classic. Spies say Kaat is also likely to work more games for MLB Network and pop up in the studio on select occasions.

Acquiring Kaat, even on a part-time basis, is a coup for MLBN suits. Already recognized as one of the top analysts in the game, a rejuvenated Kaat, during the WBC, had plenty to say.

Although he is back in the mix, Kaat won’t be returning to YES’ Yankees booth. MLB sources said Kaat reached out to YES suits, offering his services on a limited basis at a reasonable price.

Sources said Kaat, who was not looking for major dough or a monster schedule, was told YES had no room for him because of budgetary constraints and scheduling.

Think about this: YES and the Yankees, who are rolling in dough, cannot afford to pay Kaat. Man, the economy must be worse than anyone really thought. Think about this: YES, already with a cast of thousands, cannot squeeze Kaat in the booth on a limited basis.

Nah, why would YES want to bring back Kaat, not only a marquee analyst YES suits raved about, but a fan favorite too. That just didn’t make sense.

Only to YES.