Alou at 1B?

[NYMets523]

This has gotten some discussion lately. There's some word the Mets might experiment with Alou at 1B while he rehabs in the minors. Obviously this is being done to try to get Delgado's twig out of the lineup.

I personally think this could be a disaster. However, Delgado at first is already a disaster. If they want to experiment with an old guy at 1B, just sign Frank Thomas. He's at least played the position before. Not well but we know he's more likely to be a factor than Carlos Delgado (who, like Thomas was, should be released).

[Steve Jeltz]

What is wrong with playing Alou at first? Maybe playing first would keep Alou off the DL so much. You have to keep Alou's bat in the lineup somehow, IMO. The Mets could put Chavez in left or trade for an outfielder if needed.

[metfan13]

What is wrong with playing Alou at first? Maybe playing first would keep Alou off the DL so much. You have to keep Alou's bat in the lineup somehow, IMO. The Mets could put Chavez in left or trade for an outfielder if needed.

Because he's 41, has played 1927 major league games with exactly ZERO of them at 1B. These aren't video game players, you can't just stick them in the open spot.

[Brooklyn]

I don't think Frank Thomas is the answer. He seems like a right handed version of Delgado right now. Maybe if you had an infinite number of roster spots availbale, you could platoon Thomas and Delgado, but I can't imagine either would be happy with that. The only good thing about Thomas is that he would come very cheap.

I like the idea of at least trying Alou at 1st. He has a couple of games in the minors, why not see if he can play it? They have enough outfielders, and I'd like to keep Pagan in the lineup for a while. while I doubt he is going to keep his 300 average the whole year, he's gotten off to a good enough start that he deserves to keep playing. IF Alou can play first, that would give them four guys to rotate in three positions (Church, Alou, Pagan, Delgado), and at least give Delgado a rest agaisnt lefties.

[VIBaseball]

Thomas has played a grand total of 68 games at 1B this decade -- zero since 2004. I think he'd make Delgado look graceful.

I have a feeling that the movements at 1B would cause more tweaks to Alou's legs. Would someone who knows more about this care to weigh in?

[NYMets523]

Thomas has played a grand total of 68 games at 1B this decade -- zero since 2004. I think he'd make Delgado look graceful.

Delgado doesn't even move to field the ball now.