Carlos Delgado

Delgado monstrous output in the final 85 games of 2008 forced the Mets' into picking up his $12 million option for 2009. Early in the season, that signing looked great. But Delgado began having right hip discomfort in late April, which forced him onto the DL in May. It was ultimately diagnosed as an impingement of his right hip, a bone spur and a torn labrum, which required what became season-ending surgery a week later. Delgado played winter ball to prove he's healthy in an effort to sign somewhere and receive everyday duty in 2010. A return to the American League where he could occasionally DH to prevent wear and tear would seemingly be the optimal outcome.

As late as mid-June, the thought that the Mets would pick up Delgado's $12 million option for 2009 seemed unlikely, but Delgado carried the team throughout the second half of the season and made the decision a no-brainer. Delgado finished hitting .271 with 38 home runs and 115 RBI, with 80 of those 115 RBI, 60 of his 96 runs, 27 of his 38 home runs and 20 of his 32 doubles coming in the final 85 games, coinciding with the firing of Willie Randolph and move of Jerry Manuel to manager. With Manuel calling the shots in 2009 and Delgado playing for one more big contract, look for another productive year from the slugging first baseman.

The Mets chose not to extend Delgado's contract beyond 2008 before last season and that may have been the best move they made. Delgado turned out to be a monster disappointment, hitting a career-low .258 with just 24 homers and 87 RBI (his lowest total since 1995 when he played in 37 games). After seeing his average against lefties fall to .226 in 159 at-bats in 2006, Delgado actually hit .267 in 176 at-bats against them last year, but fell from .282-31-82 in 365 at-bats against righties in 2006 to .254-20-54 in 362 at-bats last year. He suffered a non-displaced break his hand during the season finale, but did not require surgery and is expected to be recovered by spring training. Delgado figures to begin the year batting sixth, while he'll be looking to rebound and earn one more big contract with free agency approaching.

Delgado had another solid year in 2006, finishing second to Carlos Beltran in HR and RBI. The move to the Mets from Florida did not help his batting average, which tumbled 36 points from the year before, as he struggled during the season by "jumping" at the ball and not keeping his weight on his back leg. Delgado's average against LHP fell to .226 in 159 AB, indicating that he is reaching for pitches more often as he ages. Delgado had minor surgery after the season to repair carpal tunnel syndrome in his right wrist and tennis elbow in his left arm, but he is expected to be ready for spring training. Look for him to hit clean-up and produce another 30-HR, 100-RBI year in the middle of the Mets batting order.

Delgado was as good as advertised in 2005, driving in better than 100 runs for the eighth time in nine seasons and combining with Miguel Cabrera to form the most devastating heart of a batting order east of St. Louis. His back-loaded contract made him an obvious target when the Marlins purged the books though, and he wound up with the suitor he jilted last offseason, the Mets. Shea Stadium won't be able to contain him any more than Dolphins Stadium could -- expect another monster power output from the surprisingly unsung superstar.

After a nasty rib cage injury early on, he was the Delgado of old after the All-Star break with a .305 average, 1.033 OPS, 22 HR, and 63 RBI. He's a safe bet to post another punchy season wherever he ends up in free agency.

Delgado hung in there a bit better against lefties and posted a career-high RBI total as a result. He hit just 14 homers after the All-Star Break however, and his .284/.428/.538 line after the mid-summer matchup falls more in line with his previous seasons. He's a great player who had three outstanding months. Expecting a repeat of 2003 won't be wise.

Posted a terrible .360 slugging against lefties, his worst since 1996. Knee and back injuries limited his in the middle months, but he was vintage Delgado after returning in late August from a stint on the DL. An improved lineup around him will improve his RBI and runs scored, and he should be back to his 40-HR mashing self in 2003.