I think we're all a bit underwhelmed by our progress so far this winter in building the squad back into contention. It's nice that we plugged a hole in Left Field, vacant since Moises Alou's departure, but the press all remind us of Bay's lack of defense and questions about whether his power numbers will hold up at Citifield.

With Delgado looking like he will miss at least 2 or 3 weeks, perhaps even several months, it throws a wrench into our plans and our lineup. We don't have a dependable backup firstbasemen defensively, and so Jerry Manuel/Omar Minaya have to put their thinking caps on to figure out how to shape the lineup.

Now that the World Series has ended the serious business can start. And it is starting.

The Mets have signed Fernando Tatis to a one year deal. It's a good thing in my opinion.

Mets sign Fernando Tatis to a one-year contract

Tatis, 33, who hit .297 with 16 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs and 47 RBI for the Mets separated his right shoulder diving for a double by Nationals' pitcher Odalis Perez in the fifth inning on September 16th at Washington. Fernando underwent an MRI the next day and the test revealed a Grade 3 shoulder separation.

Three Mets (Oliver Perez, Damion Easley and Matt Wise) have filed for free agency. We all knew that Perez would be going for the pot of gold. Whether or not the Mets should try to sign him will be a point of argument among Mets fans this winter. People either seem to love Ollie or hate him.

The New York Post is reporting that the Mets are planning on picking up Carlos Delgado's option for the 2009 season.

The story quotes Omar Minaya as saying the pickup of Delgado's contract is, "a formality."

Delgado hit 38 Home Runs and knocked in 115 runs this season.

It looks like Carlos Delgado is back. Jerry Manuel moved Carlos back to the 5th spot in the lineup and he performed well with three hits, a walk and two RBIs. Carlos has been a tough out in July and has raised his batting average to a respectable .261, which is up twenty points from the beginning of the month.

What do you think? Is Carlos Delgado indeed back or will he slide again?

I saw it on SNY. It was not a mirage. Carlos Delgado laid down a clumsy but effective bunt to counter the ridiculous infield shift that the Nationals had in place. Carlos got himself an infield hit on the play. The play didn't have an effect on the game but it showed a willingness of Carlos to do what he can to help the team.

A couple of days ago Carlos Delgado was on his way out. After yesterday he may just be on his way back in. I'm hoping the new groove sticks because our replacement options are dwindling fast.

"WE know how this ends for Carlos Delgado Carlos Delgado with the Mets New York Mets . We might not know the exact date or the exact term, be it designated for assignment or outright release, but we see the bread crumbs now heading toward the exit." Joel Sherman - NY Post

Carlos' two home runs helped lift the Mets over John Smoltz and the Braves. More importantly, the performance throws a little water on the idea that the Mets should replace Delgado at first with either Moises Alou or Ryan Church. That idea has been getting a lot of talk but recent events with Alou make the move less likely.

There are some serious rants about the Mets on this podcast. A lot of talk about the recent losses to San Diego at home. Problems include Guillermo Mota, Carlos Delgado and pitching in general. Also some thoughts on the trade for Jeff Conine and the hopeful return of Pedro Martinez.

MP3 File

Jose Reyes has been Named NL Player of the Month. He deserved it too, hitting .356, 26 runs scored, 17 stolen bases, 5 triples, and 18 RBI's from the leadoff spot. He is the most exciting player in baseball now, A-Rod can choke on his home runs as far as i'm concerned.

John Maine was also named the NL Pitcher of the Month with a 4-0 perfect record and a 1.35 ERA.