If the Mets want a slam dunk, they should trade for LeBron James.
Carlos Delgado returning to the lineup this season? Not a slam dunk. That assessment comes from none other than Delgado, who last night made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery last week to repair an impingement in his right hip, bone spur and torn labrum.
“I can’t guarantee nothing,” Delgado said at a fundraiser at Richards clothing store in Greenwich, Conn., to benefit the Mets Foundation. “The most important thing is get better, get healthy so you can perform effectively. I think it’s going to happen some time this year, but I can’t guarantee nothing. I can’t do that.”
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It’s something of a contrast to the picture the Mets have painted, which includes Delgado — who was on crutches last night — playing first base for at least the final two months of the season. That very well could still happen, but Delgado’s reluctance to guarantee he’ll have some role in a Mets pennant chase should perhaps be the first warning shot that general manager Omar Minaya can’t sit back waiting for his starting first baseman.
Washington’s Nick Johnson and Baltimore’s Aubrey Huff are two of the most mentioned trade possibilities. Delgado, who will turn 37 next month, was asked if he’s concerned the organization might look in a different direction.
“I’ve got enough on my plate,” said Delgado, who is expected to remain on crutches for at least another week. “Omar has got to do what he’s got to do. He’s the GM. I know at some point we’re going to have to talk about what’s going to happen.
“All I’m going to do is try to get healthy and try to be back. Then after that I’ll deal with whatever else I have to deal with.”
The Mets insist they are not shopping for a new first baseman, and that Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy will share the starting duties.
Nevertheless, Murphy has largely been a disappointment this season, aside from his breakout game against the Nationals on Wednesday, when he had three hits and five RBIs in the Mets’ 7-4 victory, and there is concern within the organization about overusing Tatis, a role player who is better suited for pinch-hitting and spot starting.
“I don’t see [a trade] happening, especially if we continue to win,” said manager Jerry Manuel, whose Mets are 17-8 this month and lead Philadelphia by a half-game in the National League East. “If you’re winning and try to perfect something that doesn’t need to be, it becomes unsettling and people begin to look around and not focus on what they need to, and that is winning.”
Delgado was at Citi Field earlier this week to visit with teammates and indicated he intends to become a fixture in the clubhouse during his rehab. He’s optimistic about a return, but also knows there is a big difference between hoping for the best and seeing that wish come true.
“The only thing I can guarantee is that I’m going to die,” Delgado said. “And I’m not looking forward to that just yet.”
mpuma@nypost.com