I just posted a new poll, one I expect to create a healthy debate all offseason. It asks the very question Omar Minaya must grapple with from now until February: If the Mets make a big-splash signing or a significant trade, at which position should they upgrade?

I included seven choices: starting pitching, bullpen (non-closer), closer, second base, catcher, corner outfield, or first base.

The only three areas I left out were shortstop, third base and the bench. I figure the bench isn’t really the most significant area of the team, even it it could use a boost. Also, despite the protestations of some, Jose Reyes and David Wright are not the problem.

Anyway, let us know what you  think. If you ask me, the Mets scored the second-most runs in the NL last year despite constant juggling in their corner outfield spots. Do they need work at second and in left field? Yes. But I don’t think the offense is at the top of Minaya’s agenda.

As for the pitching, the Mets must sign a starter, but there are several decent arms available (Oliver Perez, Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, Ben Sheets, even C.C. Sabathia). I think the more pressing need is a closer, if only because the market is much more limited. Adding someone to the back of the pen will require aggressive dealing, and it should be at the top of the Mets list.

More Mets news today: Carlos Beltran and David Wright were named Gold Glove award-winners. Joining them on the NL team are Padres’ 1B Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers’ RHP Greg Maddux, Pirates’ CF Nate McLouth, Cardinals C Yadier Molina, Reds’ Brandon Phillips, Phillies’ Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.

It is the second consecutive year both men earned Gold Gloves, and the third year overall for Beltran. Here’s what each had to say:

“I take a lot of pride in being a complete player,” Beltran said. “Even on the days when I don’t get a hit, I feel I can make a difference in the field”

“Individual awards are nice, but, for me, my entire focus is on the team and getting back to the playoffs,” Wright said.

Here’s the release that was published by the team:

“For the second consecutive year center fielder Carlos Beltran and third baseman David Wright have been selected in a vote by Major League managers and coaches to the Rawlings National League Gold Glove team. The Award is the third overall for Beltran and the second for Wright.

Beltran ranked first among NL centerfielders with 429 total chances and was third with eight outfield assists last year. Recently, stat guru Bill James named Beltran the Best Defensive Center fielder in Baseball in his 2008 Fielding Bible. Carlos also won a Gold Glove in 2006. He is tied with Rey Ordonez for the second most Gold Glove Awards in team history with three behind Keith Hernandez, who won six with the Mets from 1983-1989. The only other Mets outfielder to garner a Gold Glove Award was Tommie Agee in 1970.

Wright was tied for the National League lead among third basemen in total chances (416) with San Diego’s Kevin Kouzmanoff. He did not commit an error in a career-best 36 consecutive games from August 7th-September 16th last season and also had a 30-game errorless streak from July 1st-August 5th and a 28-game streak without an error from May 24th-June 22nd. David led NL third basemen appearing in 159 games and was also first with 286 assists. Robin Ventura in 1999 is the only other third baseman in franchise history to earn a Gold Glove Award.”

We spoke to Carlos Delgado this morning, just a few days after Delgado has his one-year, $12-million option picked up by the Mets. Delgado touched on a wide range of topics, including his future. Here’s what he had to say:

— Delgado was asked if he has considered how much longer he will play, and whether or not it’s important to him to reach 500 home runs. He already has 469, and could reach the mark as soon as this season.

“Now that I know that I have a contract for next year, I’m focused on that right now. Then at the end of the season I’ll look beyond for what I want to do. I’m pretty close so I will try my best to get there. If that requires two years, I’ll be happy to play for another year.”

Delgado said he had a discussion with his wife, Betzaida, and that two more years was “the common denominator.”

— The Met first baseman was also asked whether or not he’ll need to become a stronger leader after the possibile loss of veterans like Pedro Martinez, Moises Alou and El Duque, who are all free agents the Mets may let walk.

“Every time you lose a guy, hypothetically speaking, who is a veteran who has been around a long time, people need to step up. Some of the younger guys have more experience and can show more leadership qualities. We don’t know what’s going to happen. In my case, I’m going to do what I’ve done in the past and try and lead by example.”

— Delgado said he “didn’t watch a whole lot” of the playoffs. “I usually don’t,” he added, but he wasn’t surprised the Phillies won.

“It doesn’t matter to me. We knew the Phillies were going to be in when we lost that Sunday. I, personally, don’t have a problem. They made it all the way to the playoffs, they played well and they won.”

— Delgado said he and the team didn’t work on extending his contract beyond next season, but he did discuss the matter with the Mets before the season was over.

“At the time they said we will let you know at the end of the season,” Delgado said, but now they have decided to address whether or not he plays in Queens beyond ‘09 at a later date.

Quick hitters:

— Delgado will play for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

— He would call a potential free agent on behalf of the Mets if that’s someone he feels comfortable with.

— He was happy to see Jerry Manuel brought back. “I’m looking forward to coming back and working with him. He deserved that promotion.”

— He felt Manuel’s work warranted the contract, despite the way the season ended: “I think the results really showed.”

Pete Abraham is covering for us at the GM meetings in California. Oliver Perez was one of the topics of conversation yesterday. Omar Minaya didn’t sound hopeful of getting anything done before Nov. 14 when the exclusive-rights period comes to an end, nor should he with Scott Boras as the agent. Boras held court and basically said he figures there will be significant interest in the lefty.

So what do you think? Should the Mets make an all-out pitch to retain him? For all his inconsistency, he does have a lot of talent. And he’s only 27. Personally, I’m not big on giving pitchers more than four years. Too fragile. What would be a fair offer, though?