Why No Cubans Sandy?

Over the past few years there have been some breakout players coming from Cuba and making a splash in the big leagues. Unless you live under a rock you know the names like Puig, Cespedes, and Abreu. Rusney Castillo was signed late last year by the Red Sox, Yasmani Tomas became a D-Back this off season and there is Yoan Moncada waiting for his pay day.

With each of these players the Mets front office has claimed to have scouted and done their due dilligence. However it was never reported that the Mets were really in on any of them. That's a head scratcher when the team has had needs like a power hitting OF, SS, and potentially someone to man first base when when the Ike Davis/Lucas Duda situation existed. The latter a thing of the past.

Over at MetsBlog I found a quote from Sandy regarding them getting in on these international players. "We haven't been in that category, but I expect we will be in that category soon." he said.

Um, when? These players are being signed and having an immediate impact. They are signing fairly healthy contracts however in each case they are younger players and don't cost a draft pick. Yet we Mets fans have to sit here and hear things like "he doesn't fit what we are trying to do here or we don't view him playing at this or that position." I get that it can be a gamble but they are paying off much better than some of the local gambles this team has made over the past few years. What gives, Sandy?

Mets pitching has been good as of late.

#Mets starting pitching has a 1.91 ERA over the last 9 games. That's lights out good. Now, imagine if they had an offense to go with that?
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) April 24, 2014

This is great. And the bullpen has been good as well. But, even for the best rotations and pens in the league this is not sustainable. The offense needs to be better. Lucas Duda is getting it together after an 0 for 6 start and that needs to continue and bottom line he needs to get his cuts in against lefties. David Wright had a twelve game hitting streak and then decided to disappear for most of the Cardinals series which concludes today. At this point, Granderson isnt' really worth talking about. He is getting today off which is just what the doctor ordered and it appears Bobby Abreu will get the start in RF. Yikes.

I watched most of the game last night and while I didn't count they stranded quite a few runners. Runners in scoring position with less than two outs isn't going to cut it. Terry seems to be tinkering with the lineup but what he has put out there this Cardinal series isn't getting it done. Daniel Murphy is NOT a clean up hitter I am sorry. Two hole suits him best with Wright batting third and move Duda up.  As a fan it is nice to see the pitching do well but I also want some runs. Give someone a beat down and give this fan base something to get excited about.

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Lucas Duda Will Be Back In Action Today

For the first time since March 3rd, Lucas Duda will see game action.  This according to a report by ESPN's Adam Rubin that Duda will DH during today's game.  It appears that Duda will get at least a one game head start on Ike Davis, who also has been hampered by injuries thus far this spring.

You'll recall that Duda has been the favorite for the first base roll all winter under the assumption that Ike Davis would be traded.  That never came about, and Duda finds himself with another uphill battle to earn the starting gig and/or remain on the Opening Day roster.  His best hope however is that Davis remains hobbled and cannot compete, otherwise its unlikely Duda can steal the starting first base spot with less than three weeks until the start of the season.

Duda has only appeared in three games this spring.  He has two hits in seven at-bats, one of which was a home run.

Mets Have Three Players Out Of Options

In an afternoon post to MLB Trade Rumors yesterday, it was determined that the Mets have three players who have less than five years of service time, and who are out of minor league options.  As a result, these players would need to pass through waivers if the Mets wished to demote them to AAA Las Vegas.  In that instance, the Mets would run the risk of losing them if they are claimed by another team. Those players in question are Ruben Tejada, Eric Young Jr. and Carlos Torres, all of whom appear destined to head north with the team with camp breaks later this month.

To date, Ruben Tejada remains the front runner for the starting shortstop gig.  His role however probably the least secure of the three.  He has not had a strong spring to date and has battled a sore hamstring. With the Mets seemingly in the market all winter for an upgrade, Tejada would quickly find himself on the bench if they pull the trigger.

Young Jr. also finds himself the front runner for a starting spot, although that designation comes with significant controversy and is likely because of his perceived ability to lead off.  That said, even if he doesn't start, he is almost certainly the first man off the bench in late game situation.  His spot on the roster is firm.

Finally, Carlos Torres is expected to make the team out of the bullpen as the long man.  He has pitched well this spring and shined in the role last season.  He can also spot-start if necessary.  However, bullpens are always in flux and relieves are often struggle at some point during the season.  That, combined with the fact that the Mets' farm system is going to graduate a few young arms this summer and Torres is the most likely of the three to find his way to the waiver wire during 2014.

Interestingly enough, two players who aren't on this list are Ike Davis and Lucas Duda, meaning the Mets can demote whomever doesn't end up with the starting first base gig.  This gives the team a bit of flexibility, as they won't have to worry about losing there "depth" at first base no matter who they decide is the better fit early on. 

Ike Davis Still A Week From Returning

According to Anthony Rieber of Newsday, Ike Davis is still at least a week away from returning the Grapefruit League action.  This news comes after Davis arrived at camp yesterday wearing a walking boot in an effort to immobilize his ailing calf.  The Mets had hoped to get him close to 100 at-bats this spring, however to date he has only appeared in two games and seen just six at-bats.  As Opening Day nears, the organization may struggle to get Davis even 50 at-bats.  That doesn't bode well for a guy who can ill afford a slow start this season.

Davis' chances at retaining the first base job remained unaffected because Lucas Duda has been battling an injured hamstring.  That may chance, with Duda expected to return to game action either Wednesday or Thursday.  If Duda produces, he may quickly leapfrog Ike into the everyday first base role.  Regardless, the Mets appear destined to enter the season with far more questions than answers at the position.

Mets' Nonexistent First Base Competition

As the Mets entered spring training, one of the areas they hoped to obtain some clarity in was the future of the first base position.  They returned the former first baseman of the future, Ike Davis, and the recently trimmed down Lucas Duda.  The two were set to do battle this spring in an effort to win the starting first base role.  This haven't exactly gone as planned.

The team declared an intention to get Ike Davis as many as 100 at-bats prior to opening day, with the hope of fending off the slow starts that have derailed his previous two seasons.  So far this spring, he's had six.  Dual calf injuries, apparently caused by some errant weight lifting have now cost Davis more than a week of spring training.  Gone too is any hope of him getting 100 at-bats.

One thing that isn't gone is the likelihood that Davis will come out of camp with the first base gig.  Lucas Duda has only managed seven spring at-bats himself, hobbled by a hamstring injury of his own.  This is unfortunate, as Duda had hoped to separate himself and could have forced the Mets' hand had he really outperformed Davis this spring, after a winter full of extra work.

The Mets know less now than they did at the beginning of camp about the future of first base.  If both players were healthy, the outside chance of trading the loser of the competition remained.  Those hopes appear to be dashed at this point.  Neither's return to the lineup is imminent and as the calendar turns to the middle or March, the Mets have to be growing concerned.

The Mets And an Open Wallet...

So, going into the off season the Mets had needs for more production and defense in the outfield and shortstop as well as filling the void left by Matt Harvey after season ending Tommy John surgery. This was done by adding Chris Young, Curtis Granderson, and Bartolo Colon. Now mind you these transactions were all made with a certain degree of financial restrictions be it from the banks or whatever the Wilpons have going on in the back ground. Nothing at shortstop has come to fruition and probably won't.

The Grandy and Colon deals I think were good. Both have star power, Colon was one of these best pitchers in the league last year at age 39 and if Granderson can stay healthy should be productive while being a presence in the clubhouse and community.

Now let's pretend for a moment that money isn't an issue. Say we didn't sign Young or let the Ike/Duda saga play out the way it did all winter and sign Nelson Cruz and Kendrys Morales. Are the Mets now contenders?

Suspension aside, Cruz hit .266/.327/.526 along with 27 homers and 76 batted in. Young on the other hand hit .202/.280/.379 with 12HR and 40RBI. So essentially Nelson had double the production playing in the same division. Offensively there isn't much comparison based on last years results but defense there is no question Young is better. I supposed the thinking is that Young has a bounce back year at the plate and comes close to that?

Morales hit .277/.366/.449 with 23 bombs and 80 knocked in. And between Ike and Duda they hit more home runs, were close in RBI's but not close in average or slugging. Defense comes into play on this one as well especially with Ike. Once again, they are more than likely hoping for Davis to regain his form and if he does comes as a much cheaper option but remember we aren't worried about dollars in this post.

Clearly, signing both of these FA's would be more sexy than what we have now and would satisfy the fan base but it becomes a question of which is more important. Defense and the hopes for better offense or just plain offense and take our lumps here and there in the field. What say you Mets faithful(un)?

Photo Courtesy: mets360.com

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Could Tejada and Duda Face Fatigue Issues This Season?

With the arrival of players this week in Port St. Lucie, fans got their first look at the likes of Ruben Tejada and Lucas Duda, who arrived in noticeably better shape with a full-time role on the line in 2014.  Both players, amongst others, spent much of their winter training at a fitness camp in Michigan.  The results are obvious, which each player appearing leaner and stronger.

How that translate on the diamond remains to be seen, but there is something else worth keeping an eye on.  These guys deviated from their normal offseason workout routine.  Its fair to assume that each put in significantly more effort this winter in years past.  How will that impact then as the year drags on?

The Major League Baseball season remains a six month long grind that sees players put their bodies through quite a bit.  There is little rest as the season progresses.  Its possible that Tejada and Duda, neither of whom enter camp on their normal rest, could struggle to keep their energy up in spite of being in better shape.  Could that result in injuries and/or poor play as spring drags into summer?  What impact could that have on the rest of the team if they can't contribute as expected?

This isn't to say that their offseason efforts were unwarranted.  Both players appeared slow and out of shape last season.  A regimented workout routine will likely serve them well over the remainder of their careers, but that doesn't mean it won't impact this season in a negative fashion.  I expect better play from each as the spring gets under way, but I still wonder what happens in the long run.

The Biggest Questions Of Mets Camp

As the players continue to file into Port St. Lucie, FL, the 2014 New York Mets don't appear set to challenge in the NL East.  They seem to be well removed from the likes of the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves, yet don't really have many questions to answer as the spring plays out.

First base is without a doubt the biggest question mark of camp, and to be honest I'm not 100% sure its much of a question at all.  The Mets appear set to offer Ike Davis 80-100 at-bats this spring in an effort to "win" the job.  It begs the question, when will Lucas Duda get his reps?  If this is truly a competition, I would expect each player to get his equal share.  There certainly haven't been any references to Davis playing some other position he's fair from suited to play.  I'll let you in on a pretty poorly kept secret...  If Ike Davis is still with the team come March 31st, unless he has just a simply awful spring, he will be the team's first baseman on opening day.  He provides the higher upside, has the higher salary and still remains the distant front runner to assume the role.

Next up would have to be the role that Juan Lagares plays when camp breaks.  For all the hype about his surprise play in center field last season, the Mets have been very non-committal on where he fits in this year.  It seems the biggest threat to his playing time in 2014 is the team's lack of a leadoff hitter.  In an effort to have Eric Young Jr. assume that role, Lagares would likely be the odd man out under the guise that the lineup cannot afford to have two outfielders with little to no home run pop at one time.  As a result, we've heard there will be an open competition between Lagares and Chris Young for the center field spot.  This may be a question as we go through camp, but it shouldn't be.  Juan Lagares was amongst the best defensive center fielders in baseball last season.  Posting him in centerfield, with Chris Young and Curtis Granderson on either side should provide the Mets pitching staff with what would likely be the best outfield defense in baseball.  That's well worth the offensive gamble he presents, in my opinion.

Finally, there is the team's bullpen.  To date, the Mets haven't added the veteran reliever with closing experience they coveted all winter.  That means, despite reportedly being two weeks from throwing off a mound, the closer role remains with Bobby Parnell.  As a result, any competition will be for the spots behind him.  Can Jeurys Familia make the bullpen out of camp?  Is Vic Black ready to be a setup man after only a handful of major league appearances?  Will Jack Leathersich surprise the masses, cut down on his walks, and threaten to steal a spot in the bullpen?  These are all valid questions, but few if any are season shifting ones.

Yes, the Mets are preparing to enter camp with questions about whether they're good enough to compete in 2014, but there are precious few questions about who will make the trip north next month.  Our spring will be spent watching to see if Ike Davis can show progress, whether or not Juan Lagares has learned to take a walk, whether or not Bobby Parnell can still throw gas, and most importantly if they can all stay healthy.  The Mets roster is basically set, so for now we can simply enjoy the fact that baseball is back because there aren't many other reason to watch closely this spring.

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Mets Will Have An Open Competition For The First Base Role

A late night offering from the New York Post's Kevin Kernan suggests that Ike Davis and Lucas Duda will battle it out this spring to see who will leave spring training with the starting first base gig.

In reference to first base, Kernan quote team skipper Terry Collins as saying:

"We have jobs available... Its wide open."

That may be true, but different things the Mets have said would seem to indicate otherwise.  First and foremost, Ike Davis is set to earn $3.5 million dollars this season.  The Mets, the way they've been fiscally in recent years don't appear inclined to have the much money riding the pine.  Furthermore, Collins told Kernan that Ike Davis will get no fewer than 90 at bats this spring.  That's up nearly one third over the normal spring training work load.

What will they do with Duda when Davis is taking the majority of game reps at first base?  Well, if you believe recent reports, Duda could find his way to the outfield in a role that has seen him struggle mightily in past seasons.  There is no talk of a similar fall back plan for Davis.  Is the team willing to pay him $600K to just go away?

Lastly, there is the underlying fact that Lucas Duda still has an option remaining.  The Mets can have him start the year in Las Vegas without having to pass him through waivers.  If Davis ultimately fails, Duda can then be promoted to seize the everyday first baseman's role.  This is definitely an option, probably the most levelheaded one, for the Mets if they don't want to tie up a bench position and/or feel Duda should be playing everyday, on whatever level of the organization he ends up.

Collin's may say this is an open competition, but the facts of the situation dictate otherwise.  If Ike Davis is still on the team come opening day, barring an epically poor spring training I believe he will be the Mets first baseman when they break camp and head north.  Despite spending the winter looking to trade his services, Ike Davis remains the best option the Mets have.  The Mets know how bad he can be, but have also seen just how good he can be.  Which is the real Ike Davis? That's the question Collins hopes to answer early in 2014.

Duda and the Mets Outfield

I was watching Terry Collins interview from yesterday on SNY.tv and when the subject came up about Duda the first topic was on 1B. Terry Collins was asked about battling for the position. Terry said confidence was a big thing for Lucas and he wanted him to have that going out of spring training. Terry was very positive that there is a place on this team for the Dudes and that he has the skills to play at the major league level.

And then came the question that had me almost vomit in my mouth. "Is there the thought that outfield isn't out of the question for Lucas?" O.M.G and the only thing equally worse was Terry's reply. "It can't be, when we go into spring training we have to look at every possible scenario and match up" and then Collins went on to say there could be some platoon opportunities.

I can see why Alderson retained this guy. He has molded him into the same speaking habits that Sandy has. Leave nothing out of the question, anything is possible, we have to look at everything. Even Mr Met and Jay Horwitz could be a factor in this upcoming season. Yes, in theory anything is possible and you can't leave anything out of the question. But for the sake of Mets fans let's just leave one thing out. Lucas Duda in LF.

Photo Courtesy of: risingapple.com

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Mets & Duda Settle At $1.6375M

The Mets will avoid arbitration hearings yet again this year after signing Lucas Duda to a one year deal worth $1.6375 million dollars.  Duda had been the one hold out from the seven players who filed for arbitration last week.  The sides settled just $12,500 from the midpoint of the figures the they exchanged last week, in Duda's favor.

This number comes in lower than the $1.8 million experts predicted Duda would earn via arbitration.  this brings the Mets opening day payroll down to $82.36 million, including the roughly $500k owed to Matt Harvey who will spend the season on the disabled list.

Mets Should Not Simply Award Ike Davis The First Base Job

Yesterday's comments by Sandy Alderson that Lucas Duda could see some time in the outfield this season could mean one of several things.  It could be a way to find Duda more at-bats.  The Mets may be willing to make another failed attempt at sending the bulky slugger floundering across Citi's expansive outfield.  Alderson could also be making some sort of hollow threat in an effort to impact Duda's arbitration negotiations.  It could mean any one of those.  It could also mean that the team has already awarded Ike Davis the first base job for 2014, and I can't think of anything worse.

When I say I don't think Davis should be awarded the job, I mean he should have to earn it.  How can you take a player who has fallen as far as Davis had, been demoted to the minor leagues and shown little ability to rebound thus far, and just give him anything?

At the end of the day, I have always believed that Davis has a higher ceiling than Duda, albeit I question his ability to reach it with every ounce of my being.  When he has his head on straight, Davis is the better hitter, better fielder and better all-around ball player.  However, for the first base job to be anything less than an open competition throughout spring training is an absolute joke.  Make him earn it.  Make him think he's the one who'll ride the pine.  Ike Davis shouldn't be given anything until he proves he can handle it.  Until then, who starts at first base on opening day should be anyone's guess.

Duda To Be Banished Back To The Outfield

Per a report late yesterday by ESPN's Adam Rubin, Sandy Alderson said that Lucas Duda could find himself back in the outfield in 2014.  This news comes after months of trying to trade Ike Davis under the assumption that Duda would then take over the first base position.  With Davis still on the roster, Alderson told Rubin it's possible both break camp with the team.

Duda's struggles in the outfield have been widely reported.  In an effort to force Duda's power into the lineup, the Mets unsuccessfully tried to plug him into a corner outfield spot on multiple occasions.  However, each attempt proved unsuccessful.

If this is the case, Duda would be the team's fifth outfielder behind the likes of Curtis Granderson, Chris Young, Juan Lagares and Eric Young Jr.  Sitting any one of those four down in an effort to get Duda at-bats couldn't be described as anything less than ill-advised.  Hopefully this is simply posturing by Alderson, but that remains to be seen.  Duda remains the only arbitration eligible player who hasn't settled.

Updated: Duda And Tejada Will Head Back To Fat Camp

As it turns out, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada, two players who may find themselves with an everyday role on the 2014 Mets, will head back to Michigan in January for another session at nutrition and fitness camp.  Both have already spent about a month of their off season in the program, previously joined by Wilmer Flores.

Each was probably sent to the camp for separate reasons.  Lucas Duda, who is built like a lumberjack, could likely benefit from dropping a few pounds if he is to play a full season at first base.  Ruben Tejada on the other hand, was criticized last spring for entering spring training out of shape.  The Mets may rely on both players this season to fill full-time roles and hope they'll enter the season better prepared as a result of this extra work.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Updated: January 7th, 2014:

Per ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, both players will report for the start of the camp on January 13th.  Despite the underlying tone, since Tejada has been dubbed as lazy and Duda as overweight in the past, Sandy Alderson insists that there is nothing punitive about their participation.

Rubin also reported that they will be joined by minor leaguers Dominic Smith and Phillip Evans.  You may recall that Smith was the team's first round pick in the 2013 draft.  Evans was selected in the 15th round of the 2011 draft. 

The Mets, First Base and The Need For Stability

I'm not gonna sit here and rehash the past season. It's over and done with. We know about Ike, we know about Duda, we know about Satin. I am an Ike fan, but I'm done being an apologist for the guy. I also hate Duda, but I'm willing to run him out there if we have to. Satin is a nice player too. He's not someone I envision as an everyday player. One thing we can assume based on reports is that most likely Duda and Satin will still be on this team come spring. Davis is still here though, so for now you have to include him in the discussion.




Photo credit to Michael Baron

Based on the anticipated moves yet to be made, people are calling for a Duda/Satin platoon. As many of you have probably already figured out from interacting with me, I am against platoons. I've become more open minded to the thought recently, especially with the outfield. However, I will not sit here and be cool with a first base platoon. First base is a core position for a baseball team. It's very hard to be successful when you do not have stability at the first base position. First basemen make many of the calls when it comes to cuts and throws from the outfield. On top of that, infielders like to be comfortable with the person they're throwing the ball to every night. I don't believe first base platoons lead to overall team success. If you look at the last 10 World Series winners, the one common theme is stability and production from their first basemen.

2013 - Bos - Mike Napoli             (139 gms, .259 BA, 23 HR, 92 RBI)
2012 - SF - Brandon Belt              (145 gms, .275 BA, 7 HR, 56 RBI)
2011 - StL - Albert Pujols             (147 gms, .299 BA, 37 HR, 99 RBI)
2010 - SF - Aubrey Huff               (157 gms .290 BA, 26 HR, 86 RBI) *100 gms @1B
2009 - NYY - Mark Teixeira        (156 gms, .292 BA, 39 HR, 122 RBI)
2008 - Phi - Ryan Howard            (162 gms, .251 BA, 48 HR, 146 RBI)
2007 - Bos - Kevin Youkalis        (145 gms, .288 BA 16 HR, 83 RBI)
2006 - StL - Pujols                        (143 gms, .331 BA, 49 HR, 137 RBI)
2005 - ChiW - Paul Konerko        (158 gms, .283 BA, 40 HR, 100 RBI)
2004 - Bos - Kevin Millar             (150 gms, .297 BA, 18 HR, 74 RBI) *69 gms @ 1B
                     Doug Mientkiewicz  ( 49 gms, .215 BA, 1 HR, 10 RBI)

With the exception of 2004, when the Red Sox traded mid-season for Mientkiewicz, every team has had a first baseman who played at least 100 games at the position for their respective team. In 2010, Aubrey Huff spent most of June and July filling in the OF for the Giants, but was the teams primary first baseman the majority of the season. And aside from Mientkiewicz/Millar in 2004 and Brandon Belt in 2012, these first baseman have been power hitting run producers in the middle of the line up. I know all the Bill James wannabes are going to have something to say about the stats I've chosen to use. I only used basic stats just to paint a picture of what a typical first baseman usually projects as.

I am in no way comparing the 2014 Mets with these great teams. I don't believe that even with the moves the Mets have made that they are to be taken seriously as championship contenders. They will be competitive and they will be entertaining, but obviously there is more to be done. The Mets do have a lot more holes that need to be filled, including shortstop and the bullpen. I believe though that if the Mets anticipate contending soon, then first base needs to be solidified. No matter who the last man standing is, either Ike or Duda, then you're going to have to use 2014 to gauge whether they are your first basemen or not. Otherwise it's time to cut the cord and find someone who can go play first base everyday. 

Talk Mets and insult me on Twitter @GetsThruBuckner

The Mets Are A Shortstop Away

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

Before you prepare to jump down my throat, I'm not about to tell you that the Mets are a shortstop away from being a World Series contenders.  They are however a shortstop away from a few different things.

First and foremost, with the additions the front office has made to date the lone remaining hole on the roster is at shortstop. While that's not to say improvements can't be made upon the players elsewhere on the roster, there seems to be a plan in place for every position but shortstop.  Is it possible that the Mets could enter the 2014 season without so much as one obvious glaring void in the lineup?

Next, its refreshing to say that should the Mets upgrade the shortstop position, they'll have accomplished all of the major goals they set forth for this winter.  In a free agent market that most agree went through the roof, Sandy Alderson was able to address both outfield corners and obtain a quality starting pitcher.  Addressing the team's needs at shortstop would effectively complete the roster renovation fans had been craving.

In the long term the Mets still have work to do.  In addition to Matt Harvey getting healthy, the team awaits the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero.  There are still questions to be answered with it comes to Juan Lagares and Lucas Duda.  The Mets aren't prepared to contend in 2014, but they will be a whole lot closer than last year if Alderson can finalized the offseason in dramatic fashion.

Its a process.  It didn't take a year or two to create the mess that is the New York Mets, and it'll likely take more than a year or two to rectify it.  However for the first time in a long time, the progress is apparent.  The Mets appear able to spend in the free agent market and have a farm system that is producing major league caliber players.  For the first time in a long time, things are looking up in Queens.  Sandy Alderson is one shortstop away from taking that next step.

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Someone Tell Sandy to Leave the Sunblock Home

   I'm really looking forward to the next few days. After the Granderson signing, I'm hoping this front office gains some momentum. The free agent market is thinning out but there's anticipation the Mets are going to be active in the trade market. Right now Sandy leaves cold NYC and heads to sunny Orlando with two mediocre (I'm being kind because of the holiday season) first basemen, a very tradable second baseman and a stockpile of young pitching.

  
   Frankly, I don't care which first baseman gets traded. It's not a secret that I despise Lucas Duda. I don't care what the saber nerds say.  I hate him. I hate that a guy with his power watches fastballs down the middle. I hate that he used not liking playing the outfield as an excuse for being a shitty hitter. I hate that girls think he's cute, so it's good enough for them that he sucks. Despite my disdain, I am willing to go into next year with him as the starting first baseman, as long as we have a better team around him. I think Ike Davis has more upside and is more valuable. This likely means getting something better in return, when coupled with some other pieces.

  
   I'm sick of hearing Matt Joyce's name. I don't want them trading a starting first baseman for a guy to be used in a platoon. They have 3 capable starting outfielders, despite each one of their faults. The Mets need a shortstop. I'd rather have Chris Young playing every day then going into another season with Ruben Tejada.

  
   I'd be willing to part with Murphy and Davis in a package to bring back an above average SS. I love Murph. I was a Murphy fan before it was cool and people came up with dumb hash tags about him. I don't think Murph is part of the problem. But I like winning baseball games better, and I'm willing to throw player loyalty out the window for this to happen.  Don't forget, the Mets need some pitching and bullpen too.  So keeping one average player around, fan favorite or not, isn't going to make or break a team with multiple holes.  Whatever it take's to improve this team, I'm all for it. 

  
   Either way, this isn't about Davis, Duda, Murphy or Tejada.  This is about Sandy continuing to make things happen.  This is about Sandy finishing his plan.  He said that moves were going to be made to field a competitive team for 2014.  This is his big chance to prove people wrong.  Everyone has been real critical of Sandy.  He knows it.  I'm sure the Wilpon's know it.  It's time for Sandy to finish what he started.  Its gonna be 85 and sunny down there.  I hope Sandy spends his time in the hotel and not on the beach.

Trade Bait: Davis vs. Duda

Age at Opening Day 2014. Stats Per 162 Games Played

Take a good look at each of these goofballs, because there is a pretty good chance one of them isn't on the team this time next weekend.  Once last time for good measure, we're going to dive into who should stay and who should go.

Ike Davis' fall from grace has been epic.  He burst onto the scene in 2010 with surprising power and theatrical defense, immediately cementing him into the minds of Mets fans as our first baseman of the future.  Then came early May 2011 and an infield collision which cost him the rest of his season and seemingly changed the path of his career forever.  Davis would return to start the 2012 season, but would struggle mightily for months to find his head at the plate.  A late season surge allowed him to post a batting average of only .227, but he managed to clap 32 home runs.  2013 brought with it similar offensive struggles and a demotion to the minors.  There would be no crazy late season surge, resulting in a .205 batting average, only 9 home runs and questions of his future in Queens.

Lucas Duda's story is very different.  He has never spent a full season at the major league level, due in part to Davis' stronghold on his natural position, first base.  His bat, more specifically his power potential, would see the Mets try to find a spot for him in the outfield.  He struggled more often than not due to what many perceive as a lack of confidence, bringing his struggles in the field to the plate with him.  That experiment would mercifully come to an end in 2013 when an injury found him banished to the minors, only to be promoted immediately prior to an injury that subsequently ended Ike Davis year.  He would finish the season at first base, sparking a debate as to who should man the position going forward.

Who actually gets a chance to play first base next year for the New York Mets may be more tied to who has less trade value, than who the better player is.  Clearly, neither player is perfect.  Fans have soured on both, having sat through two frustrating seasons with Davis and Duda's almost circus like bouts with left field.  However, each may have their merits.

First and foremost, Davis is only one year removed from a 32 home run season.  That type of power production alone will turn heads.  He is still relatively young and won't make a ton of money next season.  That said, he will make at least $3 million more than Duda, who has shown better patience at the plate, hits to all fields and has significant power himself.  Who is better?  Maybe the correct question is who has the higher ceiling?  Will Ike Davis benefit from a change of scenery or does Duda's raw talent project better?

My personal opinion, I don't think either gives you a significant advantage over the other in 2014.  No matter who ends up with the gig, I think you'll be looking at a stat line of around .235/20/60.  If it were me, I'd look to unload Davis for two reasons.  First and foremost, he has proven power potential at the major league level whereas Duda has never hit more than 15 home runs in any one season.  Secondly and possible as important due to the Mets situation, trading Davis allows you to reallocate almost $4 million dollars to another part of the diamond.  

 

What do you think?  Should the Mets give Davis one more chance or would you give Duda a change to prove his worth at his natural position?  Are either the first baseman of the future?  More importantly, who won't be with the team upon the completion of the Winter Meetings?

Mets Head To Orlando With $13 Million In Their Wallet

Yesterday morning I asked, do the Mets have any money left?  I went through the budget, whats been said over the past few months and how much the Mets had spent to date.  I came up with $12 million in available funds.  It turns out I was close, but late yesterday Marc Carig of Newsday reported that the Mets in fact have an estimated $13 million dollars remaining that they can reinvest in the roster this winter.

Carig hypothesizes that the Mets will be able to acquire an established starting pitcher and relief help with that money, but likely won't be able to address their shortstop situation.  Thats where he believes that the Mets will make a trade, as they have the likes of Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy and a plethora of young pitching prospects potentially headed out of town.  With that said, he reports that the Mets aren't aggressively shopping Murphy and would prefer not to deal pitching.

What important is that there is still money available.  The Mets recent acquisition of Curtis Granderson will do little to renovate the roster if the Mets cannot add other talent around he and David Wright.  Whether that be via free agency yet again, or by trade its comforting to know that at least to this point, the piggy bank isn't empty just yet.