NY Mets 2008: Delgado at First?

I am writing this article based upon when and if Carlos Delgado plays this year.  After what people are calling an off year for Delgado in 2007, I would like to point out that an off year for Delgado is better than any one on the market, if there even is anyone else on the market. 

Delgado batted .258 last year, and hit 24 home runs, and had 87 RBIs. Yes, for the $14,500,000 that the Mets are paying for him, these are terrible numbers, but given his age, 35, and the fact that before the 2007 season he underwent surgery, the numbers he put up in 2007 weren't too bad. 

As a Mets fan I agree with many people that if Delgado put up the numbers he had in 2006. then the whole collapse wouldn't have happened.  I blame Delgado for the collapse more than Jose Reyes. 

If Delgado comes back and puts up similar numbers that he had in 2007, it wouldn't be so bad.  I listen to WFAN in New York, and people keep mentioning names that the Mets should pursue in a trade. The options maybe have a little higher average than the .258 that Delgado had in 2007, but it's tough to find someone else who would hit 24 home runs and bring in 87 RBIs. 

I hear names like Lyle Overbay, who hit less than Delgado's .258 last year, and had only 10 home runs, and 44 RBIs.  Kevin Millar, who is one year older than Delgado, is also mentionined. His average, home runs, and RBIs are all lower than Carlos'. 

My opinion is that Delgado should stay as the Mets first basemen, as long as he proves that his hip is healthy.  There is no reason to lose any minor league players in any deal. I would rather the Mets have an overpriced first basemen in Delgado, then have some one else who the Mets gave up more valuable prospects to get.  I'll be happy if Delgado goes out and hits another 20+ homers and over 80 RBIs, and maybe even raises his average up another 20 points. 

Now I know Mets fans are in panic mode for no reason at all with all the injuries that are occurring, but the fact of the matter is that it's only March 5.  If these injuries are happening in July or August when the pennant race starts getting tight, then there's reason for concern.  But settle back Mets fans, they're going to have a good year and should be a lot of fun to watch.

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