The Mets' season is as good as over, and it has been for a while.
Still, New York was hoping to see the resurrection of some of its
injury-riddled superstars before the offseason, but it appears that
won't be happening, at least in the case of Carlos Delgado.
The two-time All-Star, who has been rehabbing from right hip surgery
since May 11, most likely will not return before the end of the 2009
season and may have played his last game as a Met, according to
ESPN.com.
Delgado tried to run outside last weekend but was hindered when his hip
became inflamed. He also reported back and side soreness which can be
attributed to the hip injury.
"It's been a long, kind of frustrating four months," Delgado told
ESPN.com on Friday. "I don't have very much time, so I mean, I don't
want to rule anything out. We'll see how it is over the weekend and I
guess soon we'll have to make a decision. It's kind of unfortunate
because you like to see things go smooth."
The first baseman is in the last year of a four-year contract with the
Mets and likely will look for employment elsewhere in 2010, as the Mets
will probably seek a cheaper, younger alternative. The Mets picked up
Delgado's 2009 option for $12 million after he finished last season with a
.271 average, 38 homers and 115 RBIs.
Still, the Mets were hoping Delgado could return at some point in 2009
and offer some indication of his future potential. Delgado, however, is
confident he isn't finished yet, whether he makes a return this year or
not.
"I'm going to play," he said. "I'll find a way."
While Delgado understands he'll be in a unique position when free agency begins, he would choose to stay with the Mets if he had it his way.
"I like it here. We have a good team," he told ESPN.com. "We haven't really talked to the front office in regard to [a new contract], but if that's the case I'd like to come back."
Manager Jerry Manuel isn't quite as confident, though, telling the Web site, "I think time is running out for him."
