I'm not sure if it's good news or bad news for the Mets that Carlos Delgado insists he is "100 percent" healthy despite his declining performance this season. Delgado turns 35 next month, and it's unlikely that age has suddenly caught up to him. He does play first base after all. He's not a catcher.
Whatever the problem is, the Mets can't carry him forever, and as manager Willie Randolph pointed out yesterday, his slump is affecting the pitches that Carlos Beltran sees as well. Before long, Randolph may have no choice but to have the red-hot Wright jump Delgado in the lineup.
Comments (7)
I think we are way past the point of needing to move Delgado in the lineup. Having him bat lead off is like having cancer in that it starts to affect everything else.
Not only the pitches Beltran sees but the entire psyche and swagger of the team . Last night we had Davies on the ropes in the 1st inning and Delgado not only killed the inning but he fizzled every bit of emotion we had. A hit or even a SF in that situation changes the entire momentum of the game and he has done similar damage on too many occasions already. He HAS to be moved out of the clean up position
Agreed. An everyday position player is going to wear down at 35. There were signs of this last year, but he saved it with a good post-season. Not having another option at first base isn't helping either -- Franco is an option only 2-3 times a month, tops.
We need Delgado for the Post Season.
Whether he is smackin monster opposite field doubles or homers, he will contribute.
Good call mauler.
Question is no doubter.
Who bats cleanup because right now .209 is not what the cleanup hitter provides.
I know a way to motivate Carlos Delgado.
It is sneaky.
It is insensitive.
But it may work.
Someone put a centerfold
of Anna Benson in his locker.
Signed of course-----"HA HA XXX OOO".
He may go on a 57 game hit streak.
Put a picture of....
Ellis Valentine.
George Foster.
Steve Henderson.
Carlos Baerga.
Vince Coleman.
Roberto Alomar.
(two of ) Bobby Bonilla
Mike Marshall.
(two of) Jeromy Burnitz
And a huge 9x12 photo of:
Mo Vaughn eating a donut.
Carlos Delgado will get the hint.
I have that 9 by 12 picture of Mo Vaughn.
It is taped to my fridge to
help keep me honest in dieting.
Have Carlos Delgado grow his afro out.
That will give him higher Testosterone levels to be a clean-up hitter.