Yes. Delgado has forced his way into the MVP conversation. If the Mets win the NL East championship -- and even if they don't -- I think he will be a consideration. The Mets' ascent has coincided with his remarkable resurgence -- 65 RBIs in his most recent 65 games. And what he has done in specific games has been special.

Delgado's candidacy is compromised by his poor performance from Opening Day through June 26. He was a drain on the offense for an extended period. He seemed apathetic about his defense until his offense improved. But the "what have you done for me lately" thinking that often exists in baseball certainty does favor him.

Whether the Mets should sign Delgado for next season has prompted a lot of discussion. Here is another option: the current left-field platoon, Nick Evans and Daniel Murphy, both have more experience at first than they do in the outfield. How about spending money on Matt Holliday or another outfielder and moving the platoon to first base?
-- Bobby C., Long Island, N.Y.

First of all, the Mets need not re-sign Delgado. They have an option on his contract for next season, and they are inclined to exercise it. Generally speaking, I like the idea of a platoon at any position other than shortstop. It keeps two players fresh. But it's not likely to happen with Evans and Murphy if Murphy is going to try his hand -- hands -- at second base. And who says Holliday is available?

How can the Mets' offense disappear as it did in the first two games against the Phillies? I've never seen a team so hot and cold. They score nine runs against the Brewers on Wednesday and then get shut out for 16 innings? Nothing seems to carry over from one game to the next with these guys. I've never seen anything like it.
-- Jerry W., Totowa, N.J.

Yes, you have. The Mets scored 15 runs against the Yankees in an afternoon game at Yankee Stadium June 27, That was the game Delgado came back to life. Then they were shut out at Shea at night by Sidney Ponson and the Yankees' bullpen. That was an even more abrupt about-face.

Baseball is a strange game, and pitching usually dictates. That's how such reversals happen. Earl Weaver's assertion stands up -- "Momentum is tomorrow's pitcher." The 2008 version is, "Momentum is tomorrow's pitchers."

Brett Myers pitched very effectively Friday night. And with Tom Glavine not functional, Jamie Moyer is the most difficult starter in the league to face when trailing. The early 2-0 lead the Phillies had served Moyer very well Sunday.

All that said, the Mets' offense is quite inconsistent, no matter the pitcher. That's just the way it is.

I just read the article posted that Jerry Manuel should be considered for Manager of the Year. I know the Mets have really turned it around since he took over, but is that enough for an interim manager to be the best in the NL?
-- Michael L., Dover, N.J.

What you read last week was a column by Mike Bauman. What I read, I don't understand the issue you seem to have with the term "interim." A manager, who does a good job, ought to be considered, whether he be interim or "permanent." And aren't all managers interim?

Who cares what you think about who should tear down those silly numbers on the outfield wall? You have a bias. That's pretty obvious. You have no players from the 2005, '06, '07 and '08 teams. How can you leave them out? What about Pedro Martinez, Delgado and Reyes? Your pick for No. 21 isn't a Hall of Famer. Delgado is. Did you even look at the numbers?
-- Jonathon P., Brooklyn, N.Y.

Wow! Let me see, where do I start with this one? You didn't identify the bias you have detected. That makes my response a little less pointed. Also, we haven't reached No. 7 in the countdown, so it has been difficult to demonstrate my supposed bias against Reyes. Moreover, you're wrong. The teams of the 2005-08 have been represented. In the most recent installment -- No. 15 through No. 8, Endy Chavez (No. 10) was mentioned, so too, Billy Wagner (13) and Willie Randolph (12). Yes, I chose Cleon Jones and not Delgado as No. 21. Jones was developed by the Mets, played 12 seasons with them and was a primary contributor to two World Series teams. He isn't in the Hall of Fame, but Delgado won't be considered if only his performance with the Mets is considered.

No one can convince me than anyone but Tug McGraw should be No. 45. Pedro is important, but he made his mark elsewhere, and he's been injured through most of his time with the Mets.

Anyway, if you haven't figured it out, these are purely subjective choices. Statistics -- I assume those are the numbers to which you referred in the last sentence of your rant -- have little to do with this exercise. The players I've chosen or merely mentioned I most readily associate with the numbers for reasons that are not measured statistically. Kelvin Chapman, Tim Teufel, Preston Wilson, Tim Bogar, Garry Templeton and Joe McEwing come to my mind first when I see Mets No. 11.

If you think first of the Vince Coleman of 1993, that's your business.

Have a question about the Mets? E-mail your query to MLB.com Mets beat reporter Marty Noble for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

I do look forward to your Shea Stadium countdowns. Some of your choices are curious. But they're your choices, and I enjoy your reasons. You must have been around Shea for a long time. Has any reporter been on the Mets beat longer?

The images and events that stand out to you interest me. McEwing was one of my favorites. I remember when you wrote about him when you worked for Newsday, you always referred to his as, "always earnest Joe McEwing." I liked that. And thank you for including the name Rodney McCray. That videotape clip of him running through the outfield is great. But I'd forgotten his name. And one more question: What are you going to do next year, once the Shea countdown is over?
-- Marla S., Syosset, N.Y.

To answer your questions, I suspect I have covered more baseball games at Shea for a newspaper than any one else. Jack Lang (Long Island Press and New York Daily News) covered at Shea from 1964 through in 1985. I began covering games there in 1970, though not on a regular basis until 1974. And I did spend significant periods covering the Yankees, including 1974 and '75, when they played at Shea. But with the nearly four seasons covering games at Shea for the Web site, I'm sure my total has exceeded Jack's.

And once the Shea countdown is over, I guess I'll start thinking in terms of numbers and Citi Field. So far, Murphy and Evans are the projected leaders for Nos. 28 and 6.