Read: Noble’s Mailbag, Delgado
In his latest mailbag for MLB.com, Marty Noble discusses questions about the Mets’ depth and injury issues.
He also addresses concerns about Carlos Delgado, writing:
“There are few alternatives [to Delgado] at the moment. Damion Easley is one, but he may be needed in the outfield and on the left side of the infield. The injury to Jose Valentin has created a problem. The clubhouse is quite impressed with the swing of Olmedo Saenz, but his defense would compromise the entire
infield. I’m sure the Mets are trying to import a right-handed-hitting player with some first-base experience.
I sense the Mets will give Delgado every opportunity. Their financial commitment to him can’t be discounted. He is owed $20 million — $16 million in salary and $4 million in buyout — at this point, and it’s not that he has become inept. He could match his production of last season, but it’s when that production comes that is the question. There are enough weak-sister pitching staffs in the league that an experienced hitter can produce numbers. And those games must be won. Whether Delgado can be the hitter to beat John Smoltz’s slider or Jake Peavy’s fastball in a critical instance is another question.”
…i was a strong delgado apologist all of last season, despite seeing him as an aging player on the decline who was battling numerous injuries and clearly wasn’t himself…
…but i also know him as a knowledgeable, elite hitter and looked for him to bounce back…
…while i don’t put too much stock into spring training numbers, i’d be lying if i said i wasn’t a little concerned…he’s an important part of the offense, even more so when alou is out of action…so, hopefully he finds his swing and gets some confidence back early in the year or it could be painful to watch as, unless they acquire someone, willie will almost be forced to stick with him regardless…
…added to by Matthew Cerrone…
…that will be a painful situation, chris, no doubt…as i have said before, my concern does not stem from a lack of faith in delgado’s ability to make the necessary adjustments to his swing…
…i worry because i fear he’ll always be in recovery from an injury, or ache or pain, and will never have the breathing room to get in to a productive rhythm…
