Thu, Nov 24, 2005 at 7:00pm

METS FINALLY GET DELGADO

The New York Mets acquired first baseman Carlos Delgado and cash ($7 million) from the Florida Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs, pitcher Yusmeiro Petit and infielder Grant Psomas.

What does it give the New York Mets
Delgado gives the Mets the booming first baseman that they really haven't had since Mo Vaughn in 2002. After years of starring in Toronto, Delgado moved to Florida as a free agent last winter and showed he can maul the ball anywhere, in any league. The big slugger should slip in as their cleanup hitter and his presence could make the likes of Carlos Beltran and David Wright even better. The Fish also forked over $7 million to help the Mets pay Delgado's gigantic contract.

What does it give the Florida Marlins
First and foremost, the Marlins have accomplished their goal of dumping a big contract. And with Delgado gone, Jacobs becomes the favorite to take over at first base. The 25-year-old had a breakout season at Double-A last year and finished the season playing first for the Mets in what amounted to an impressive audition -- impressive enough for the Marlins to think of him as a fair replacement for a star like Delgado. But he is still a rookie and there's no guarantee he'll hit in '06 like he did in '05. Petit gives the Fish a very talented young righty who could eventually fill the shoes left by free agent A.J. Burnett or Josh Beckett, who's on his way to Boston. The 21-year-old hurler was the Mets' top pitching prospect and used his darting, low-90s fastball and impeccable command to dominate at Double-A in 2005. He could use some time at Triple-A to start '06, but could be a solid No. 2 or 3 starter in the majors in a year or two. As for Psomas, he emerged as a pretty good prospect last season, as a power-hitting infielder with good plate discipline and a strong contact bat.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

New York Mets

cash considerations

Carlos Delgado 1B