November 28, 200520 yr The Move: The New York Mets acquire first baseman Carlos Delgado and cash from the Florida Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs, right-hander Yusmeiro Petit and infielder Grant Psomas. Upside for New York: The Mets used seven players at first base last season (from Marlon Anderson to Chris Woodward, alphabetically) and the contingent ranked last in the majors at the position with a .693 combined OPS. That's no longer a problem. Delgado hit 33 homers and knocked in 115 runs in a hitter's graveyard in Florida, so he won't be troubled by the pitcher-friendly dimensions at Shea. Delgado will take some of the spotlight off Carlos Beltran, who struggled in his transition to New York last season, and he combines with Beltran, David Wright and Cliff Floyd to give manager Willie Randolph a potentially potent middle of the order. Upside for Florida: While it's tough to put a happy face on Florida's decision to trade Josh Beckett and Delgado in the same week, the Marlins are doing a nice job of stockpiling young arms. Scouts are high on both Anibal Sanchez and Jesus Delgado, the pitchers acquired from Boston in the Beckett trade. And Baseball America named Petit the No. 2 prospect in the Mets' chain after he struck out 130 batters and walked only 18 in 118 innings for New York's Double-A Binghamton farm club. With Dontrelle Willis, Jason Vargas, Scott Olsen, Josh Johnson and the new kids, the Marlins have a surplus of promising pitchers. Whether the young guys will eventually bond as a staff in Miami, Las Vegas or Portland, Ore., remains to be seen. Downside for New York: Delgado chose Florida over New York last year despite a big-time lobbying effort by Mets GM Omar Minaya. He can expect to answer plenty of questions about that decision -- and his feelings on "God Bless America" -- between now and Opening Day. On the field, Delgado has had some knee problems, and his heavily-back-loaded contract could seem more burdensome in a year or two. He is also a big defensive dropoff from Doug Mientkiewicz, and Jose Reyes and David Wright could be in for an awakening the first time they bounce throws to first. Downside for Florida: While Petit's minor-league stats are eye-popping, he is projected by many as a No. 4 or 5 starter. "I came away scratching my head," said a scout who watched Petit this season. "You have to be impressed with the numbers, but his stuff just seems average and he has no knockout pitch." Petit also stands 6-foot, 230 and has what scouts call a "high-maintenance" body. School is out on Jacobs, who has a sweet stroke and hit 11 homers in 100 at-bats with the Mets. There's some concern about his ability to hit left-handed pitching, but he posted an OPS of .896 against lefties in the Eastern League. Big Picture: Minaya's peers expected him to shake things up this winter, and he hasn't disappointed. The Delgado trade strengthens the Mets' lineup while simultaneously weakening a National League East competitor in Florida. If Minaya can land free agent closer Billy Wagner, he'll put a dent in the Phillies' division title aspirations. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2223628 Boy did he try to find an up side for the Marlins, at least he was honest!
November 29, 200520 yr With the Mets acquiring Wagner they are now the power in the East. For the first time in awhile I'm taking the Mutts seriously. Who knows, hopefully we'll revert back to guerilla warfare 03' Marlins and sneak up on teams.
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League...
November 29, 200520 yr The Atlanta Braves will always win the NL East. Everyone has counted them out in preseasons past, and every year they win convincingly. The Mets are however, one of the preseason leaders in the Wild Card race. Petit's K to BB ratio is sick, and no one can quite figure out why. He might be like D-Train in the sense that the first time around people can't pick up the ball, but then he has to learn to make adjustments.
November 29, 200520 yr the mets need another starting pitcher before they can be a favorite for the east, though they are definitly the favorites for the wild card now
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League... The team with names, but certainly not the team to beat
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League... The team with names, but certainly not the team to beat Your right, Im still hoping the Fish will win the NL East... Go Marlins...2006 World Series Champs!!
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League... Until the Braves don't win the division, I ain't picking against them.
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League... Until the Braves don't win the division, I ain't picking against them. I hate the Bravos
November 29, 200520 yr Author I remember the Mets last year with all the hype about Beltran and Martinez, but as usual they did nothing, no matter what names the bring to the mix they'll still be 500 team. I still see the Braves taking the division, I think the Phills will be right there in contention as well.
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League... Until the Braves don't win the division, I ain't picking against them. exactly.
November 29, 200520 yr The Mets are actually THE team in the NL East, and maybe in the National League... Until the Braves don't win the division, I ain't picking against them. exactly. Why are the Phillies so eager to trade away Bobby Abreu??
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