Jan 03, 2008 11:55 PM EST

Carlos Delgado thinks the Mets have learned their lesson.

Trying to win their second consecutive NL East title, the Mets went 5-12 down the stretch last year and became the first major league team that failed to finish in first place after leading by seven games or more with 17 remaining.

"It was very disappointing because we know that we had the best team. And I believe that we still have a great team," the first baseman said Thursday on a conference call.

Via ESPN.com