Carlos Delgado: What to Do WIth Him Out of the Lineup?

I think the Mets need to make a trade for a position player, even if they believe Carlos Delgado will successfully return in August.

The Mets are just asking too much of too many role players, and while it's working short term, in the long run, I believe they'll end up struggling.

The more the team relies on players who are in the twilight of their careers or part time players, the greater the chances that the law of diminished returns will kick in during the course of the long season.

Even if Delgado returns, it will not be anytime soon. I simply can't see Gary Sheffield and Fernando Tatis filling the void left by Delgado for an extended period of time.

Both players are solid bench/role players who are filling in admirably, but in the long run, I think we're running the risk of them to either get injured or begin to struggle.

The Mets need to find a player who can help them while Delgado is gone and fit into the roster if and when he returns.

I would be looking for a player who is a short-term, inexpensive, and versatile option.

The NY Post listed three players that fit the profile perfectly: Nick Johnson, Audrey Huff and Mark DeRosa. All three are on last place teams, in their walk years, and have either platooned or played multiple positions successfully in their careers.

My pick of the three would be DeRosa for the same reasons the Post gives. To see the rest of the alternatives check out the article...

Mark DeRosa, Indians. Cleveland officials are not ready to pull the plug on their disappointing season. But when you talk to them, they say they still like their nucleus and are more apt to trade their looming free agents, such as DeRosa, who is making $5.5 million in his walk year. The great thing about DeRosa is how versatile he is, so if Delgado were to come back late in the year, DeRosa could move around while being the righty platoon partner for Delgado. source NY Post