Turkey Hangover

The Metropolitans is sad to learn that Grant Psomas has been included into the deal for Carlos Delgado. If you are a loyal reader, you were aware that he was one of my favorites in the system. He knew how to take a walk and was very versatile and could have played a few different positions. He probably will not amount more than a backup of course, but I thought he was a sleeper in the Mets system. Still, the deal needed to get done and still we have to keep on trucking.

That means a Met offer to Benji Molina. The offer could come as early as today and I have pointed out how Mike Piazza played more games than Molina and Hernandez over the past two seasons. We could argue the point as to whether they should ride with Castro or look at a cheaper and better defensive guy like Brad Ausmus, but one thing is clear. If they are going for Molina or Hernandez, the guy they should be extending an offer to is Ramon Hernandez.

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Straight out of the holy shit department, the Cubs signed yet another middle reliever to a crazy contract. A guy I wanted on the Mets, Bob Howry, just inked for three years and twelve million dollars. That is $23 million committed to two relievers for three years between him and Scott Eyre. Anyone think BJ Ryan will be substantially cheaper than Billy Wagner? I don't. The reliever market is absolutely nuts right now. Also, someone might be desperate enough to sign Roberto Hernandez and give the Mets a first round pick for him with what is happening on the reliever market since he may prove to be a bargain.

Looks like we all dodged a bullet with not giving up Milledge for Carlos Delgado and the Mets may be closer than we think to inking Wagner. Oh, and the Mets still might go for Soriano and we can be sure that would cost Lastings Milledge.

Mr. Bondy has nothing but nice things to say about Mr. Delgado and those are the things that I read back when the Mets first pursued. him. Basically, he will not be a clubhouse problem, but will in fact be a good clubhouse presence that the Mets have been lacking in terms of professionalism and being a vocal leader in a player of Delgado's stature. This trade was a solid one.

Omar sent me (and millions of others) a personal letter about the deal. In case you didn't get it, here it is.

Dear Mets fans,

I am pleased to announce that we have concluded a trade with the Florida Marlins that will bring left-handed slugging first baseman Carlos Delgado to the New York Mets. The acquisition of one of the game's top stars, a proven "big bat," brings us closer to our goal of fielding a championship caliber team in 2006.

Carlos is a true impact player. His offensive numbers and consistency speak for themselves:

• .301 AVG., 33 HR, 115 RBI in 2005, finishing among the top 12 National League players in slugging percentage, RBI, HR, 2B and AVG.
  
  
• .286 AVG., 35 HR, 113 RBI, .561 slugging percentage and a .404 on-base percentage over the last five seasons.
  One of nine players in Major League history to hit 30+ HR in nine consecutive seasons.

In the weeks ahead, we will continue our aggressive pursuit of quality players to fortify our strengths, address our needs, and field the team that Mets fans deserve in 2006. The acquisition of Carlos Delgado is an important first step, and we hope to bring you more exciting announcements as the off-season progresses.

On behalf of the entire Mets family, we wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Omar Minaya
Executive Vice President & General Manager
New York Mets

Just chew at that five year average. It just might taste better than yesterday's dinner.