ESPN MLB

MIAMI -- Carlos Beltran has recaptured his form at the plate, having a solid season with the Mets. But he acknowledges that the arrival of Carlos Delgado has helped his personal recovery and the team's success.

Chris Trotman/Getty ImagesCarlos Delgado has been a stabilizing force in the middle of the Mets' lineup.

"Now I feel protected and I can take first base without having to hit every time."

In 2005, Beltran batted .266 with 16 home runs, 78 RBI and 17 stolen bases in the first of his $119 million, seven-year contract. Beltran's injuries and difficulties to adapt to the city irritated Mets' fans.

But during the offseason, New York acquired Delgado, catcher Paul Lo Duca and closer Billy Wagner, among others, to become the favorites to win the National League East division, won by the Braves the last 14 years.

Delgado's' arrival proved to be crucial for the offense. The veteran first baseman is batting .263 with 15 home runs and 34 RBI.

His presence has not only made Beltran better, but improved the whole team. The Mets are now second in home runs (67) and eighth in RBI (246) in the National League.

"It has been easy to adapt to the city because we have a great group of people," said Delgado.

After a so-so April (.279, four HR, 11 RBI), Beltran is approaching the level everybody expects in May. Beltran is hitting .277 with 14 home runs and 37 RBI.

"I'm trying to improve in several aspects, but I'm feeling good," said Beltran.

The Mets are leading the division after two months with a 30-19 record, 3½ games over Atlanta (27-23).

Veterans Tom Glavine (8-2, 2.59) and Pedro Martinez (5-1, 2.79) lead a pitching staff that owns the third-best ERA (3.91) in the majors. Third baseman David Wright (.337, 8 HR, 34 RBI) and shortstop Jose Reyes (37 runs, 19 stolen bases) complement the offense.

More than 980,000 people have attended Shea Stadium in the first 24 games of the season, averaging 41,000 per game. The Mets are on track to host more than three million fans for the first time since 1988.

And the most important part is that they are not booing anymore.

"New Yorkers let you know when you are not playing well," said Delgado.

"I have a great relationship with the fans, but I can't control what they think or say," said Beltran.

Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com.