Tag: Scott Hatteberg

Delgado Benched Tonight, Maybe More

New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado before a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Image via Wikipedia

Willie Randolph said prior to tonight’s game that he’s giving Carlos Delgado some time to clear his head. He may sit out tomorrow night as well. Delgado has been killing the Mets for most of this season and last year. He just appears to be “done”. He can’t get around on inside fastballs anymore and frequently can’t get to high pitches.

I have to think that his decision came out of the meeting between Randolph, Omar Minaya, and the Wilpons yesterday. Hopefully, they’re working on a plan for a permanent solution to Delgado’s two year long lack of productivity. Scott Hatteberg, designated for assignment by the Reds today, might be a good start.

Hatteberg May Be Designated Today

Cincinnati Reds

Image via Wikipedia

Cincinnati Reds monster prospect Jay Bruce is being called up today. To make room on the roster the Reds have a couple of options. One is to designate struggling outfielder Cory Patterson. The other option is to designate Scott Hatteberg.

If Hatteberg is designated today the Mets need to make a move for him, even if it requires trading a low level prospect. Hatteberg shouldn’t command too much in the trade market. He’s 38 years old and hasn’t had a good season as a pinch hitter this year.

Hatteberg is a below average fielder at first base which is no change from what we have now with Carlos Delgado. Last season the lefty hitting Hatteberg got 361 at-bats for the Reds and hit .310/.394/.474 with 10 homers and 47 RBI’s. It would be nice to see a .300+ hitter at first base every day.

If the Mets aren’t going to make a change at manager immediately, it’s time to make a change at first bast. Hatteberg and Nick Evans might make a nice lefty-righty platoon at first base.

Read the full story from John Fay at the Cincinnati Enquirer. Thanks to MLBTR for the story.

Link: First Basemen Trade Market

MLB Rumors discusses the available first basemen on the trade market. Notably, the comment is that Carlos Delgado has little to no value on the market and is more likely to be designated for assignment than traded.

I agree that Delgado has no value in the trade market. He’s making $12 million (plus the Marlins are paying him $4 million) and he’s an automatic out. He’s turned into a black hole in the lineup.

Without a clear successor for Delgado at first base, there’s no way that he’ll be designated. Scott Hatteberg might be a decent option for the Mets. Even if he doesn’t hit, he can put his glove on the ball in the field. That’s one advantage over Delgado.