The Mets' pattern hasn't changed much lately. They keep winning despite less than overwhelming starting pitching. Pedro Martinez hasn't pitched at all this month, yet the Mets have won 12 of 20.
While the looming trade deadline remains terrifying to any Mets fan with a sense of history, it seems unlikely the Mets will add a pitcher capable of making a serious impact. Good thing, then, that no one else in the National League has a very intimidating starting rotation. Tom Glavine and a well-rested Pedro may be enough to take the Mets a very long way given the quality of their offense.
They've now scored more runs than any team in the NL and they've done it without a lot of help from their first baseman. Carlos Delgado's recent slump got so bad that his OPS dropped below that of second baseman Jose Valentin last week. Now, Valentin's having an excellent year, but Carlos Delgado should not be outhit by his second baseman.
Delgado has at least temporarily postponed his descent into a Robbie Alomardom, however. In his last five games, he has seven hits in fourteen at bats, as well as five walks. Three of the hits were home runs giving him a total of three home runs in the month of July.
Things may yet get ugly before his contract expires, but right now it seems Delgado can still be an asset to this team. The return of the real Carlos Delgado along with the emergence of Valentin and the continued excellence of David Wright and Carlos Beltran makes for a very potent starting lineup. The Mets may not have much of anyone to start the third game of a playoff series, but I like the offense's chances against any third starter they might face.
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