Earlier this week, Boston sent 1B-L Doug Mientkiewicz and cash to the Mets for 1B-L Ian Bladergroen. The Red Sox primarily acquired Mientkiewicz as a defensive replacement at first base for their playoff run. However, over the course of a full-season, maintaining a defensive replacement at first is an inefficient use of a roster spot. Following Jason Phillips' slump last season, New York desired an alternative at first base. The Mets aggressively pursued Delgado, turning to Mientkiewicz when Delgado spurned their advances.

New York drafted Bladergroen out of community college with a 44th round pick in the 2002 draft and signed him in May of 2003. He spent the remainder of that season with Brooklyn in the New York-Pennsylvania League. Playing for Capital City in the A South Atlantic League in 2004, Bladergroen hit .342 with a .397 OBP and .595 SLG on 92 H, 23 2B, 3 3B, and 13 HR with a 25:55 BB:K and 1/2 SB% in 269 AB. Regrettably, the 21-year-old required season ending surgery in July to repair torn cartilage and damaged ligaments in his left wrist. While he was old for the league, he appears to possess promising plate discipline and solid power. We unfortunately may not obtain a better picture of his potential for some time, since wrist injuries tend to create lingering weakness for up to a season after a batter returns to the plate.