While the Mets are downplaying Carlos Delgado’s injury, which was concerning enough for them to fly him out for an MRI, they need to consider the options available in case this becomes a real issue.

Buster Olney on his blog for ESPN lists Nick Johnson, Scott Hatteberg, Richie Sexson, Tony Clark and Kevin Millar as possible insurance policies if Delgado’s hip stinger, which kept him out of multiple games last season, causes him to miss more time.

On his blog for the Journal News, John Delcos writes that Delgado is back in camp after going to NYC for his MRI. Delgado said he felt something catching in his hip, and he could “make it hurt,’’ by twisting and rotating in the area.

Delgado said he’s going to give it a few days to rest and admitted he had some discomfort in his hip in the off-season.

Delgado is in his walk year, and many are expecting him to make his case for still being an offensive force in the majors. He might feel he can still hit, but will his body deny him the ability to prove it?

The Mets shouldn’t wait to find out, there are no real first base back ups on this team. Marlon Anderson would appear to be the most likely candidate, but his best asset is his pinch hitting abilities.

Buster Olney, on his ESPN blog, gives a list of 10 free agents who could be good value signings.

Tony Clark, Matt Clement, David Eckstein, Kenny Lofton, Mike Lamb, Reggie Sanders, Jeremy Affeldt, Kris Benson, Shannon Stewart, and David Wells are the players that Olney believes could be the best bang for any team’s buck.

Olney thinks Tony Clark could fit on the Mets as a bench player. He also points out that Clark has the third highest home run rate, behind Alex Rodriguez and, wait for it…Ramon Castro. Clark had a .563 slugging percentage in 32 at-bats last season.

The Mets have been reported to have some interest in David Eckstein,  whose batting average in each of his last three seasons is .294, .292 and .309.

Affeldt might be a good pick up for the Mets, who need to upgrade their bullpen. Right-handers hit .211 against him last season, left-handers .250.