Lucas Duda fully understands the lay of the land in Flushing these days, and knows his hold on an everyday job at first base in 2014 is tenuous at best.
While he feels he has done enough to be considered as an every-day player by Sandy Alderson, he understands the decision ultimately lies in the hands of his GM.
“I really don’t have a say in the matter,” Duda told Mike Kerwick of the Bergen Record. “But I feel like I’ve played well. If that’s not good enough, then it’s not good enough.”
Duda has clearly looked more comfortable at first base, and last night Keith Hernandez remarked that his footwork at first base has made great strides. “You should know,” quipped Gary Cohen.
Manager Terry Collins acknowledged Duda’s improvement, but remained non-committal about the 2014 season.
“I don’t know what’s going to take place this winter,” Collins said. “I really have no clue. We know Lucas can play first base. We’ve seen it. We saw it two years ago when he first got here. He was very good over there and swung the bat very well.”
I’m not so sure the Mets will attack first base this offseason unless they swing and miss at adding a bat in the outfield. That’s according to my baseball people. Relax, just kidding. 🙂
The Mets have plethora of first base options to choose from and I’d have no problem implementing some sort of a platoon that includes Josh Satin against left-handers and one of Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda and Allan Dykstra against rightys. Ike Davis is as good as gone and will likely be traded to parts unknown.
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, asked four scouts who they would prefer between Davis and Duda and it was a split-decision.
Scout 1: “Duda. Ike has not shown the ability to make adjustments with his batting stance or overall approach. Duda at first base has improved, and he looks more relaxed.”
Scout 2: “Tough call. I’m not thrilled with either, but would probably take Davis, because of the power potential and defense at first base.”
Scout 3: “Duda. He is better project than Ike.”
Scout 4: “Ike Davis. He has hit 30-plus homers in the major leagues and is much better defensively.”
I’m not doubting Davis still has some upside, I just get the feeling that he won’t realize that potential on the Mets – if he ever does fulfill it.
