Erik Boland and David Lennon over at Newsday have a piece up reporting that the Mets are "very interested" in bringing back Carlos Delgado.
Delgado, who played in the Puerto Rican Winter League Sunday for the first time since surgery on his hip in May, went 1-for-4 as a designated hitter. As befitting a player who managed to play in just 26 games in 2009, the Mets are interested in Delgado on an incentive-laden deal.
Still, it is easy to understand New York's interest. Delgado was hitting .298/.393/.521 in 2009, one year after putting up a 2008 batting line of .271/.353/.518, including a tremendous second half.
Just for fun, let's combine rumors for a Delgado platoon with Mike Lowell, who was rumored to be in discussions to come to New York in exchange for Luis Castillo early this evening in a tweet by ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
Delgado, against righties, had a .912 OPS in 2008, .902 in 2009. Lowell had a .961 OPS against lefties in 2008, an .867 OPS against them in 2009.
In other words, it would be an offensive option that would likely leave Daniel Murphy in the dust.
The piece also reports that the Mets are interested in starting pitching, with Joel Pineiro their preferred choice.
That’s a ton of money at 1B…
Boston was willing to eat 9MM of Lowell’s contract in the failed Rangers trade, so they may be willing to eat part of that contract along with the money Castillo is owed, perhaps 4-5MM? If Delgado will sign for a 3MM base with incentives that might take that up to 8-9MM–but won’t in the event of a platoon–then the total might not be as high as one might think. If the Mets can get a wOBA of .380 or so out of first base for around 12MM they should be happy.
The first part of your premise is stupid, why would they spend more money to get themselves out of a financial pit? To obtain a worthless aging backup 2B? Come-on, even Omar wouldn’t go for that one!
The Red Sox were willing to spend 9MM for minor league catcher who hit .234/.323/.336 in 320 AAA plate appearances last season. Granted Max Ramirez hit much better at lower levels. I also assumed the Sox would try to flip Castillo, and probably have to eat some of his contract–say 4-5MM–in order to get a mid level prospect. This would mean the Sox would eat about the same amount (8-10MM) and get the same return that the Texas trade netted them.
Anyway, this isn’t going to happen so its just a moot point!
The first part of your premise is stupid, why would they spend more money to get themselves out of a financial pit? To obtain a worthless aging backup 2B? Come-on, even Omar wouldn’t go for that one!
Not sure if it’s a ton for the Mets, but I wonder if Delgado would be willing to accept that type of arrangement. He’s got to have some type of offer for a full time job, doesn’t he?
From the Mets perspective, yes it makes a ton of sense.
It better be incentive laden.
No Lowell man. Please. I’ll take a shot at Delgado.
Putting a healthy Delgado in the mix with the Bay acquisition and possibly Molina too, that’s a snazzy lineup.
As for pitching, I really don’t want Joel Pineiro. He benefitted from one year with Dave Duncan, but he won’t, I repeat WON’T, do it again (put up those numbers).
The only market for the Mets to get pitching is to trade. (I’m not opposed to a Sheets, Bedard or Wang try, but you need a #2 first.)
If the Mets bring back Carlos Delgado, then they are moving in the wrong direction.
“The piece also reports that the Mets are interested in starting pitching, with Joel Pineiro their preferred choice.”
Kill me now.
Desperate for power
Delgado cannot run. I’ll be very scared every time he has to go from first to third on a hit. if it helps to save some money for next yr or pitching then ok but how low of guarantee money Delgado is willing to sign for?
I have no idea what the Mets are thinking, but I’m going to wait and see. I’m pretty sure these super secret plans are going to win us multiple championships.In all seriousness though, a Lowell/Delgado platoon might be expensive but it guarantees Ike Davis another year of development, as well as move Murphy to the bench, or make him a trade chip. So we’ll see.
reyes ss
hudson 2b
beltran cf
bay lf
wright 3b
delgado 1b
molina c
francouer rf
nasty lineup, if we get a good starter, look out NL!!!
I would switch Francouer with Hudson, seeing he has more speed.
Otherwise, I agree, a very balanced lineup (If they can stay healthy!)
Francouer in the #2 slot?? I hope that was a typo. But in any case, that line-up looks very good if all are healthy. Any minute now we’ll be seeing a bunch of met haters posting all kinds of garbage
Batting Molina and Frenchy before the pitcher? There are a lot of 5 pitch innings in Mets apposing starter’s futures. I’m hoping Thole and F-Mart can contribute sooner than later.
How is that a nasty line up? Molina and Francouer would be garanteed outs. Delgado and Lowell together gives you half a player. Hundson in the 2 hole and your best hitter hitting 5th? Weird
“Molina and Francouer would be garanteed outs”.
Have you watched any Mets games in the 09 season since we got Francoeur? He was probably our best player. Sure, he isn’t the most disciplined at the plate, but when he makes contact, usually produces.
How is that a nasty line up? Molina and Francouer would be garanteed outs. Delgado and Lowell together gives you half a player. Hundson in the 2 hole and your best hitter hitting 5th? Weird
No way would they bring in both Lowell and Delgado, that would be silly-expensive and Lowell would be a $12M platooner. Ugh, no.
Sadly for Mets fans, this offseason not including Jason bay is going from bad to worse…
the mets did get jason bay.
there is no way that the Mets can get Delgado, Hudson, Molina, Piniero, etc… Whatever they do they will have a hole. They need pitching. They need Catching. They dont necessarily need a first or second baseman. They just want an upgrade. The fact that the Mets 09 rotation hasnt changed much this off-season makes me think that Pelfrey, Misch, Figureoa, and Perez will combind for 100 starts. Thats not going in the right direction.
Well, yeah. If they do that they won’t be going in any direction except sideways. It would basically be 2009 all over again.
I’m pleased to hear the news about Delgado. Lowell would be good only we get rid of Castillo in the deal and if the Red Sox were to eat some of his contract. Piniero only at the right price.
No way Lowell/Delgado platoon. Way too expensive for an old, risky, platoon. I would be shocked if the Mets did that. I say bring back Delgado for one year, trade for Harang or Meche, and sign Ben Sheets. And maybe give Bengie Molina an offer if we have enough left over. But I agree the lineup with Bay and a healthy Delgado will be stacked.
There is no possible way the Mets can keep under the luxury tax threshold and do all of that.
Just not enough money.
mets need to move on from delgado.
Can understand why Mets fans would not want Lowell. He has little to no range anymore and don’t forget that his bat did not get rejuvenated until he came to a stadium that was nearly perfect for him, Land Shark stadium is like Citi Field, a place where homers go to die and Lowell is not that big of a HR guy anyway, his specialty at Fenway was pulling balls off of the wall for doubles and many of those? Nothing but 310-325′ outs at Citi Field.
One big thing that Mikey can help this team out with? He has been a consistent winner throughout his career and has performed very well under pressure, especially in the post season and is a club house leader. I cannot imagine late season troubles under playoff pressure with this guy on the team, he simply would not allow that to happen and take over as a team leader.
Mets fans may want to take that into consideration. Boston has a few of this type, or I would be more vocal in keeping him, still would prefer that ortiz be dumped somewhere instead, but one clearly has to go.
While I think Delgado is a good fit for the Mets (I think he can still put up a 25-30/.265/.365/.450 line, which is better than they’ll get from Murphy) they need to be spending this money on the rotation. Whether that means acquiring a Harang type pitcher (bad contract, upside) or going after Joel Piniero, they need at least one, maybe two more starters in that rotation.
what is so horrible about murphy?
his stats
It depends on who you ask but to summarize: Murphy initially opened some eyes when called up from AA Binghamton in ’08 by hitting up a storm, and for a small sample of at-bats, appeared to show a lot of promise. However, in ’09 the Mets started him in LF and it was a defensive nightmare from day #1 (look for some of his “best” on 2009 blooper reels – no joke), and a huge embarrassment. Alongside this his hitting cooled off considerably and he became less of an offensive asset. Since they were intent on keeping him in the lineup, the team had no choice but to find another position for him. They put him at 1B with high hopes, and he learned to play it “on the job” at some point after Delgado went down. To be fair, although he started out kind of shaky there, he eventually adjusted and didn’t perform too badly in time. He even had some eye-popping plays (at least one of which you will see on 2009 highlight reels) towards the end of the season. However, in the end, and although he hit more HR’s than anyone else in the lineup (an embarrassing 12!), his numbers really did not represent the kind of power one wants to see from a corner infielder. Although there is some debate about it among both fans and analysts, many feel the Mets can and must find a better solution to the hole at 1B than Murphy. I have to agree.
For fun I combined the two players stat lines that Howard alluded to.
Based off 660 PA of a strict platoon (and 73% to RH which matches last years v. RH Average)
660 PA, 561 AB, 35 Dbl, 1 Tpl, 33 HR, 83 BB, .283/.380/.526/.906, .390 wOBA
That is about a 4.2 WAR player before whatever negative UZR value they provided on the field.
RElax guys this rumor is likely bogus (Delgado) as delgado hasn’t even played the field yet and that is the Mets major concern with Delgado. They are reaching big time to say thay after 1 game at DH that the Mets are “very interested” in bringing Delgado back, I’m sorry it’s not even believable! As far as Lowell goes, the Mets at worst would free up 2nd base for the same 6 million they likely would have spent to MOVE Castillo in the first place and get Lowell as a bonus for a RH Bat of the bench / 1B platoon or (more likely moved in yet another trade) if the rumor proves to be true
I’m not so sure. Throughout the offseason there have been repeated references to the Mets’ continued interest in Delgado in various articles and reports, and that started long before it was time for winter ball (and believe me, I was annoyed). Maybe I’m just blanking but I can’t think of any other 1B’s that have continually been linked with the Mets during this time.
I’m not so sure. Throughout the offseason there have been repeated references to the Mets’ continued interest in Delgado in various articles and reports, and that started long before it was time for winter ball (and believe me, I was annoyed). Maybe I’m just blanking but I can’t think of any other 1B’s that have continually been linked with the Mets during this time.
Yes, but why would Boston want Castillo? If they’re both bench players at this point doesn’t Lowell have way more upside? Better throw-in some minor league talent as well.
It puts them under the luxury tax level. Then they can probably easily flip Castillo to the Cubs for either Baker or Fontenot and a prospect if they eat a little bit of the cash.
Yes, but why would Boston want Castillo? If they’re both bench players at this point doesn’t Lowell have way more upside? Better throw-in some minor league talent as well.
Molina+Delgado+Pagan+Zambrano+Hudson call it day; we are ready to compete
Sounds great to me. I will pick up the NY Post the day after the first Big Z meltdown while he churns 18 mil of Wilpon’s madoff cash.
Sounds great to me. I will pick up the NY Post the day after the first Big Z meltdown while he churns 18 mil of Wilpon’s madoff cash.
Molina+Delgado+Pagan+Zambrano+Hudson call it day; we are ready to compete
This is the type of signing the Mets should be going for, 3MM/Yr maybe with a club option at 6MM (500K buyout) for a second year. You take a shot at contending this year, if he/attempt fails then you haven’t tied up money for future FA.
This is the type of signing the Mets should be going for, 3MM/Yr maybe with a club option at 6MM (500K buyout) for a second year. You take a shot at contending this year, if he/attempt fails then you haven’t tied up money for future FA.
How hard is this? Trade Castillo and and a prospect or two for Carlos Zambrano. Then you have one of the best #2’s in baseball. Sign Hudson for cheap since he wants to be in NY. Tell Molina to take it of leave it. If he walks go after Torrealba. If Sheets’ price comes down jump on him. Finally take a chance on Delgado or if his price also comes down, Adam Laroche.
Reyes
Hudson
Beltran
Bay
Wright
Laroche/Delgado
Molina/Torrealba
Francoeur
One of the better lineups in the NL without a doubt.
Santana
Zambrano
Sheets
Maine
Pelfrey
A very solid rotation if they are healthy.
“How hard is this?”
Well, I would say that where Carlos Zambrano is concerned it could be pretty hard. He has a full no-trade clause and there is every indication that he has no desire to leave the Cubs.
I don’t know about Torrealba either since he has that grievance against the Mets and I have no idea if it has been resolved.
“How hard is this?”
Well, I would say that where Carlos Zambrano is concerned it could be pretty hard. He has a full no-trade clause and there is every indication that he has no desire to leave the Cubs.
I don’t know about Torrealba either since he has that grievance against the Mets and I have no idea if it has been resolved.
How hard is this? Trade Castillo and and a prospect or two for Carlos Zambrano. Then you have one of the best #2’s in baseball. Sign Hudson for cheap since he wants to be in NY. Tell Molina to take it of leave it. If he walks go after Torrealba. If Sheets’ price comes down jump on him. Finally take a chance on Delgado or if his price also comes down, Adam Laroche.
Reyes
Hudson
Beltran
Bay
Wright
Laroche/Delgado
Molina/Torrealba
Francoeur
One of the better lineups in the NL without a doubt.
Santana
Zambrano
Sheets
Maine
Pelfrey
A very solid rotation if they are healthy.
The post read above.. i will admit, i’m a fan.
1) Trade Luis castillo to Boston for Mike Lowell.
2) Sign Orlando Hudson 2yr 15.5mill
3) Sign Joel Piniero 3ry 25mill
4) Trade 1b/of Chris Carter to the Reds for RHP A.Harang & Cash considerations(Mets get 8mill of 12.5 owed in 2010).
5) Sign RHP J.Valverde 1yr 4.0 mill 2 setup K-Rod
Lineup: vs RHP
1) Reyes-ss
2) Hudson-2b
3) Beltran-CF
4) Bay-LF
5) Wright-3b
6) Franceour-RF
7) D.Murphy-1b
8) Santos-C
Bench:
1b/3b- Mike Lowell
IF- Alex Cora
C- Henry Blanco
OF- A.Pagan
* Vs LHP, Lowell plays 1b & Murphy sits.
Rotation:
LHP J.Santana
RHP J.Piniero
RHP A.Harang
RHP M.Pelfrey
LHP O.Perez
Bullpen:
RHP K-Rod(Closer)
RHP J.Valverde(Setup)
RHP K.Escobar
RHP Newly acquired asian guy
LHP P.Feliciano
RHP S.Green
RHP J.Maine
Seems almost like you’re overpaying Hudson. It’s almost guaranteed he’s going to be getting a one-year deal, so if he ends up getting two, it should be at a bit of a discount.
Oh holy hell! I was still on the Hudson rant and just not noticed the TERRIBLE Piniero deal. I’d be skeptical to sign him to a multi-year deal, let alone one at ~8.3M a year.
“4) Trade 1b/of Chris Carter to the Reds for RHP A.Harang & Cash considerations(Mets get 8mill of 12.5 owed in 2010).”
Why would the Reds ever even consider that trade? They would be trading their Ace and paying 65% of his salary just to get a minor league DH that was recently released and unclaimed by all AL teams except the Yankees? (who were merely blocking the Boston/Mets trade)
Not crazy about the Harang deal but I suspect it would take more to obtain him & I’d rather take a chance on Wang. Somethings wrong w/ Harang the last 2 yrs. He’s made over 25 starts in each & I know Cincy’s terrible but he’s got a total of 12 wins in those 2 yrs. Would love to have Valverde but closers as set up men haven’t worked out to well for us lately but I like it. If Lowell’s healthy, I can’t see why he would/should platoon w/ anyone other than health concerns? I was pretty sure Molina was close to signing so I can only imagine he’ll be in there somewhere. Lastly, I’d much rather see us try to put a package together & get Zambrano then sign Piniero. Granted it costs us 10 mil more a yr but Carlos is under contract the next 3 seasons same as Joel would be & he’s 3 yrs younger. Now your line up is:
1) Reyes-ss
2) Hudson-2b
3) Beltran-CF
4) Bay-LF
5) Wright-3b
6) Lowell-1b
7) Molina-C
8) Francoeur-RF
Bench:
1b-Murphy
IF-Alex Cora
C- Henry Blanco
OF- A.Pagan
Rotation:
LHP J.Santana
RHP Zambrano
RHP Wang
RHP M.Pelfrey
LHP O.Perez
Bullpen:
RHP K-Rod(Closer)
RHP J.Valverde(Setup)
RHP K.Escobar
RHP Ryota Igarashi
LHP P.Feliciano
RHP S.Green
RHP J.Maine
My thinking in my reply above is Zambrano is made for NY. I think he can handle the pressure & gives us the instant solid #2, inning eating, SP we so desperately need. Wang would be a solid #2 SP but now becomes a great #3 SP. What he also brings is every asain reporter & fan back to queens w/ Godzilla now on the west coast. The Mets would now own the NY asian market which means money in jersey & sushi sales & Zambrano jersey sales alone would probably pay his salary for the yr. Also gives us argualbly one of the best 1-3 SP’s in all of baseball. Lowell gives us time to develop Ike Davis & maybe some chips should Adrian Gonzalez become available mid season. Molina handles pitchers well & gives us time to develop Thole w/o over-exposing him (see Lastings, F. Martinez. etc..) Am I crazy about Molina & Francoeur hitting 7-8, no not really but they both have power & you could do worse then have your 7 & 8th hitters batting .275 while belting 15-20 HR’s.
Yes like Valverde who would be a good closer for many teams would want to be a set up man….
Yes like Valverde who would be a good closer for many teams would want to be a set up man….