It’s Tuesday morning and all looks well in the Mets’ world. Carlos Delgado waived his right to demand a trade and says he wants to remain a Met. Delgado will remain a Met through 2008, and possibly longer if they pick up his 2009 option. Delgado is 34 and says he wants to retire a Met. That’s going to mean a contract extension somewhere along the line.
Because Delgado had been traded to the Mets by Florida after signing a free-agent contract he was allowed to request a trade.
Another positive note …
Remember how I told you not to get uptight about Pedro Martinez’s retirement talk? Well, Omar Minaya talked with Martinez’s agent and received an encouraging report. As I said, Pedro was just couching things. Of course he would retire if he were physically unable to pitch. It’s logical.
Also, negotiations continue with Tom Glavine, and have begun with Willie Randolph on a contract extension.
All good news, wouldn’t you say?
4 Comments
John, was wondering about Pedro’s surgery. Clearly that shoulder has had issues for years now, any chance we might see him actually regain some velocity (assuming everything is healthy) come Aug/Sept when he would be back in shape? I don’t know much about his type of injury and how people respond post surgery.
To Anon …
Surgery on the rotator cuff once meant the end of a pitcher’s career, but it is so advanced now that it has prolonged careers. Martinez’s velocity was way down at the end of the season. By that game in Pittsburgh he was in the 80s, far from where it should have been. The problem with that the speed differential between his fastball and change-up was minimal.
If everything heals properly, he should be up into the low 90s again. However, don’t expect him to get back to where he was when he was in Boston. He won’t gain any velocity from his peak years.
John,
Thanks for the info. I certainly didn’t expect a return to 95 mph fastballs, but if he could touch the low 90’s most of the game I think he could certainly be an effective ace for this team again.
To Anon …
If he can touch the 90s again that’s key. It’ll put some separation between his fastball and change. And, if he can hit the 90s it will give hitters something to consider. If Martinez can crank it up from time to time, it gives him a weapon hitters have to think about.