First Base Preview

The Mets have the same situation as last year with First Base. Carlos Delgado will get all the playing time, with Julio Franco filling in on days that willie gives the big guy a rest. Delgado had another solid year last year, even though he struggled for two whole months at the plate. He hit .265 with 38 homers and 114 RBI. Pecota projects him to have a weaker year this year, at .271, with 27 homers and 81 RBI. I don't see him losing much power, considering he slumped for all of May and June and still hit 38 home runs last year. Delgado has not hit less than 99 RBI in the last 8 seasons, and I don't see that discontinuing this year, with the table setters, Reyes and LoDuca, and Beltran in front of him he should have plenty of opportunities to knock in his fair share of runs. I feel like he'll hit about .275 with 35 Home Runs and 110 RBI. The Mets are very solid at first base again this year.

Julio Franco will primarily back up Delgado on his off days. The soon to be 49 year old is starting to decline a little bit, but his help in the clubhouse for younger players, like Milledge, and even some older players, like Beltran, make him an asset for this team. His spirit and knowledge make this team better, even if his bat slips a little.