Mets Hot Stove: The Delgado Press Conference

Just some quick Carlos Delgado related stuff:

AP: Delgado will stand for God Bless America
The Associated Press' Ronald Blum quotes the Mets' new first baseman regarding this controversial issue:

I gave him my views on that subject and I also said I would not put myself in front of the team. The Mets have a policy that everybody should stand for God Bless America and I will be there. I will not cause any distractions to the ballclub.

In fairness to Delgado, he has never made a big deal about his feelings as much as others have made a big deal about it for him.

Mets.com: More Delgado
Marty Noble has an article on Delgado featuring some interesting stats, including, "For his career, Delgado has compiled a .290 (172-for-593) average with 50 doubles, 42 home runs, and 129 RBI against National League East opponents."

Metsblog: Delgado Press Conference Coverage on MetsBlog
Matt Cerrone on MetsBlog did what he promised, and has a lot posted on the Delgado press conference (including audio clips) and also the interviews on WFAN of Willie Randolph, Carlos Delgado and Omar Minaya.

Some impressions
I thought Delgado acquitted himself pretty well today, especially when interviewed on Mike and the Mad Dog. He was funny a couple of times and said all the right things. He had an interesting insight on David Wright's hitting style (I believe that was from the press conference -- it's starting to blur). I felt reassured after listening to him that he wasn't coming to New York with a gun to his head.

I found one of Omar's comments interesting. When asked about Nady and Victor Diaz, Omar spoke of the importance and flexibility given by "zero-to-three" players -- and how you can't build a team around just big salaries. Seems like if he makes that trade for Manny he'll have a team that's top-heavy in big salaries. Assuming that Milledge is part of this deal, he will be trading the only position player in the system that's even close to contributing in the major leagues.

One more thing
On Mets.com there is a press release that the Mets have acquired left-handed hitting OF Tike Redman from the Pirates. They could use a left-handed backup OF, and he's a guy that killed them last year.