The Forgotten Man: Carlos Delgado

Will Carlos Delgado be a Met in 2010?

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

All the talk this week with the week winding down is about the pending acquisition of former Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay, but there are plenty of other stories floating around in Mets world as they try to get the 2010 roster solidified.

There are still unanswered questions regarding this team, including the catching position. There were reports that surfaced shortly after the Bay signing was reported that said the Mets were closing in on a two-year deal with former Giants’ catcher Bengie Molina, but nothing has materialized.

A position that seems to be getting overlooked is first base. Of course we have all dreamed about the possibilities involving Padres’ first basemen Adrian Gonzalez, but that doesn’t seem like a realistic solution. Most people seem content with giving Daniel Murphy a shot to be the guy, and I have no problem with that.

One guy who seems to be getting the shaft is the guy who has been one of the most prominant power hitters in baseball for the last decade, and that is Carlos Delgado. I saw today that Carlos expects to start playing winter ball this weekend and the Mets will have representatives watching him.

If you held a gun to my head, I think he will be back. Since he is returning from an injury, a one-year incentive laden contract would make sense. I like Carlos and he could be a dangerous hitter in this newly rejuvinated lineup. With guys like Bay, Beltran, Wright and Francoeur around him, Delgado could get better pitches to hit.

And I still believe he can crush the ball.

Bring him back, and let him prove himself. What do we have to lose?