Delgado joins Mets

Puerto Rican Delgado, a hard-hitting first baseman traded to the Mets by the Florida Marlins last Thursday, told a news conference at Shea Stadium he would follow team rules and stand alongside his team mates when the patriotic song is played.

"I will not put myself (ahead) of the team," Delgado said about his refusal to stand since 2003 while with the Toronto Blue Jays to protest against the U.S.-led war in Iraq and U.S. military use of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques to test weapons.

"The Mets have a policy that everybody should stand for 'God Bless America' and I will be there," said Delgado, who has been booed in several ball parks over his protest.

"I will not cause a distraction for the ball club. What I believe as a person will not be a distraction for the ball club."

Delgado, who turned down the Mets to sign with the Marlins last winter as a free agent, said he was eager now to join the Mets.

"The situation with the Marlins, getting rid of some of their players, has given me a great opportunity in New York," said the 33-year-old Delgado, who has three years and $48 million left on his contract.

Florida is sending New York $7 million as part of the deal.

"I welcome the move. The Mets have good ball players, good young players," added Delgado, making special mention of speedy shortstop Jose Reyes, third baseman David Wright and center fielder Carlos Beltran, a personal friend of his.

The Mets dealt first baseman Mike Jacobs, minor leaguer pitcher Yusmeiro Petit and minor league third baseman Grant Psomas to Florida for Delgado, who last year belted 33 homers and drove in 115 runs. He has hit over 30 homers nine seasons in a row, a stretch that includes three 40-plus seasons.

Delgado, who will wear No. 21 with the Mets - the same number as boyhood hero Roberto Clemente - said he would deal with whatever reactions he faced from New York's "passionate" fans, and would not shy away from criticism.

"There will be times when they cheer and times when they boo. Hopefully, I'll keep that to a minimum," he said.