The monkeys were looking forward to what should have been an easy day for the Mets with Johan Santana matching up against the struggling Pirates, but that matchup will be delayed by a day. So we decided to tackle the future of first base for the Mets.
While we are hopeful that Carlos Delgado will build on yesterday's performance, the possibility does exist that yesterday will just be an aberration in what has otherwise been a dismal season for Mr. Delgado. Clearly whatever he does from here on out, this will be his last year on the Mets.
The Mets have three early picks in this year's draft which is loaded with talented corner infielders. However, some early developments in the minors this year might mean the Mets can use the draft picks on other needs such as pitching and young outfielders.
Mike Carp has seized the day and gotten off to a torrid start. He has 6 homers, 20 RBI and is hitting .376 with a 1.061 OPS for AA Binghamton. These are his curent numbers and they include his current 1-16 slump. After an injury plagued season last year, Carp has put himself back on the radar.
The monkeys might argue that it would be even better for the organization if Nick Evans was the guy to step forward. Evans has hit 4 homers with 20 RBI and a .326 average also playing at AA. The thing about Evans is that he bats righthanded. With Ryan Church, exceeding expectations thus far and Fernando Martinez, the top prospect in the organization both left-handed, Evans would balance the lineup better.
Dan Murphy, though mostly a third basemen, has seen some time at first and hit .358 for AA. Some scouts feel he is the most natural hitter of the three, but his defense needs work.
Finally, Lucas Duda is off to a solid start at High A ball hitting .337 with 2 homers and 19 RBI. Duda, a left-handed bat has raw power, but it is still developing.
The opportunity is there for each of these young players. The next month will be important if they want to discourage Omar Minaya from drafting one of the many talented first basemen in this year's draft.
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