The Case For Carlos Delgado…

Delgado is hitting .237, .409 SLG, .315 OBP, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 10 HR’s, and 33 RBI’s in 257 AB.

Easley is hitting .254, .364 SLG, .302 OBP, 7 doubles, 0 triples, 2 HR’s, and 14 RBI’s in 118 AB.

M. Anderson is hitting .200, .293 SLG, .218 OBP, 4 doubles, 0 triples, 1 HR, and 6 RBI’s in 75 AB.

Tatis is hitting .231, .308 SLG, .271 OBP, 2 doubles, 0 triples, 1 HR, 10 RBI’s in 65 AB.

Only Easley has a better batting average, but, this Mets team tends to hit a lot of singles, and draw occasional walks, needing numerous walks, or singles, within the same inning, to drive in a run, which is why they frequently leave runners on base. The Mets need more hitters with a better slugging percentage, who can hit doubles, triples, and homers, to clear the bases, and drive in runs. Delgado is, by far, the best option as a run producer, with a .409 SLG, the best OBP, doubles, triples, HR’s, and RBI’s. Even with more at-bats, Easley, Anderson & Tatis would not be expected to produce the power numbers that Delgado produces, and none of them could be described as above average defensively, or, so much better than Delgado defensively, to make up the difference on offense.

Mike Carp, Nick Evans, Dan Murphy at AA Binghamton ? There’s an enormous difference between being successful at AA, and the major leagues. Unfortunately, Nick Evans just proved that. He had an exciting first game with the Mets, that was very exciting to watch, but, with enough at-bats, proved that there’s a big difference between AA and the majors, which is why he was returned to AA.

Many people are asking the Mets to release Carlos Delgado, and eat the rest of this year’s contract. The Mets are paying 12 of the 16 million Delgado is paid this season, with the Marlins paying the rest. Asking the Mets to eat 56 % of Delgado’s 12 million, more than $ 6.7 million, is not likely. They’re already paying Jorge Sosa & Willie Randolph to not work for them. Releasing Delgado would be another nail in Minaya’s coffin, as he fights to retain his job.

Sadly, like it or not, Delgado is the Mets’ best option of the current candidates. Deal with it…