Mets Hot Stove: Delgado - The Morning After

Mets Hot Stove: Delgado - The Morning After The reaction to the Carlos Delgado trade is coming in fast and furious:

NorthJersey.com: Woodward on Delgado
Steve Popper reassures us that Delgado wants to come to New York:

According to one Mets official, Delgado is now excited to be headed to New York, realizing that his hopes of a World Series were not going to be realized in Florida. There, the roster is being stripped of salary and talent.

Popper also quotes Chris Woodward, who played with Delgado in Toronto:

He's the best hitter I've ever played with. I don't think any team wouldn't want to have him. He has a knack for getting runners in, whether it's a base hit or a three-run home run. He comes up big. When he's on fire, I've never seen anybody that can carry a team like he can.

He's going to love New York. He never played in a market like that, but he was definitely 'Mr. Toronto.' He'll love it and people will love to watch him play.

Also on NorthJersey.com: Klap: Soriano might be next
Bob Klapisch feels that Alfonso Soriano might be Omar's next target. Personally, I'm just not that thrilled about Soriano, especially considering what the Mets would have to give up to get him. I've said previously that, although I am against it, a very solid argument could be made to trade Lastings Milledge for Manny; I don't believe the same could be said for Soriano. I'd be really disappointed in Omar if this one happened. For more on this, please see my opinion on Manny for Milledge. Multiply it by 10 for Soriano.

Newsday: Delgado trade means Manny unlikely
Ken Davidoff reports that a Ramirez trade is unlikely after the Mets made this one:

Given Minaya's lust for big names, it's not inconceivable that the GM could continue to investigate a Ramirez trade. But one official familiar with the Mets' plans said that the Delgado acquisition "pretty much" eliminates the 2004 World Series Most Valuable Player from the club's radar screen.

"The price would have to drop dramatically," the official said. "And something else would have to be moved," to make room for Ramirez financially.

The Mets do not see Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano as a fit for their club. [my emphasis] With Delgado on board, they can boast of an imposing top of the lineup featuring Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Delgado and Cliff Floyd. And they can try the inexperienced Xavier Nady, acquired from the Padres for Mike Cameron, in rightfield.

This Soriano thing is interesting, in that the more you read around you find opinions that he's next on Omar's list and opinions like the above.

Also on Newsday: Wagner on Delgado
Ken Davidoff and David Lennon report on Billy Wagner's reaction to the Delgado pickup.

Also on Newsday: Player Opinions on Delgado
David Lennon gives us quotes from Tom Glavine and David Wright on the deal.

Daily News: More Delgado
Count the News' Adam Rubin as one that doesn't think either Soriano or Manny are coming:

As a result, the Mets have ruled out pursuing Alfonso Soriano, a person familiar with the team's thinking said. Landing Manny Ramirez also is unlikely, though a team insider suggested a significant drop in Boston's asking price coupled with a trade to free up salary could cause that to be revisited.

Rubin also quotes Delgado's agent, the infamous David Sloan on the deal:

Whatever happened last year was a matter of the way negotiations go. One thing I would like to clear up: Last year had nothing to do with not wanting to play with the Mets. Carlos felt in '05 the Marlins offered him the best opportunity to play in the World Series. That being said, in '06 the Mets will offer the best opportunity to play in the World Series. That was it, plain and simple. It had nothing to do with him not liking New York. He has family in New York. He loves the city and the people.

Rubin also reports on a possible trade with the Diamondbacks that would bring in pitcher Javier Vasquez in return for Kris Benson and Brian Bannister. Bannister became the Mets' top pitching prospect once Petit was dealt. On the plus side, he's the only pitching prospect left in the system that is far enough advanced to potentially be able to pitch in NY in the event of an injury. On the minus, Bannister is not projected as a potential elite major leaguer. Vasquez is a better pitcher than Benson, but he has problems, especially with the long ball. He also makes a lot more money. I'm honestly still on the fence on this.

Also in Daily News: Wagner
Adam Rubin quotes Billy Wagner who criticizes the Phillies and praises the Mets. Okay, then Billy, why don't you just sign with us, then?

Happy Thanksgiving
Again, have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Is Soriano next? Will they still get Manny? Stay tuned.