Quick Q&A: Delgado in 2010, Murphy at 2B
Chris G sent me the following e-mail:
“Can the Mets possibly stick with Luis Castillo for one more year and put Daniel Murphy in Triple-A for an entire season to learn second base? They can then resign Carlos Delgado at first base, and, either by the end of 2010 or Opening Day 2011, have a brand new right side of the infield in Murphy and Ike Davis? This would also allow Murphy and Davis to get some chemistry playing next to each other in Triple-A next year… This would have to be the most cost-effective solution to the right side of our infield for both next year and the years to come. But, would Delgado sign a one-year contract for cheap? And, do the Mets higher-ups still believe Delgado can be an impact?”
From what I can gather, in 2008, Murphy played second base in the minors and last off season because it was the best way to get him at bats in Double-A and the Arizona Fall League. From what I can tell, the Mets see him at first base or third, but not second, where he did not have the slickest foot work, even though he positioned himself and got to the ball very well.
As for Delgado, I think he will and should want to go to the American League and start the DH-phase of his career. He does himself, and his hip, no favors by playing the field… at this point, he’s valued as a hitter, so he may as well protect that asset.
I hope he signs with a team like the Mariners, or some other mid-market team, where he can hit, collect his paycheck, avoid the spotlight and ride out his career in peace and quiet.
The way I see it, Delgado needs to move on from the Mets; and, more importantly, the Mets locker room needs to move on from Delgado.
