Written by Mike Mariano
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13 August 2009
Looking ahead to 2010, I think the Mets have 3 major areas for concern: Left Field, Starting Pitching, and First Base. Left field and starting pitching are glaring weaknesses, and will almost certainly have to be bolstered by an offseason acquisition. But as for first base, I think the Mets have a lot to work with.
The way I see it, they have four options:
- Bring back Carlos Delgado on a short term, incentive laden contract.
- Let Daniel Murphy keep the job, and see what he can do over 162 games.
- Hand the job to Ike Davis.
- Acquire a power hitting veteran to hold the spot for Davis.
Looking at this list, I can almost instantly eliminate the first option. Part of me still believes that Delgado is capable of producing another season similar to 2008 (38 HRs, 115 RBIs). But its an unnecessary risk. Delgado will not come cheap, and its hard to expect him to stay healthy all year. Plus, Delgado is projected to be a type B free agent, so the Mets could net draft pick compensation by letting him walk.
I'm intrigued by the idea of giving Daniel Murphy a real chance, and I think that he has the potential to be a very good major league hitter one day. But the bottom line is that he lacks the power to develop into an elite first baseman. That being said, he has been a pleasant surprise defensively, and since he started playing everyday he has hit with consistency. However, if the Mets keep Murph they need to either: acquire a power hitter at another position, or find another position for him to play.
And its becoming clear to me that Ike Davisis the future. So at some point, he will be this teams first baseman whether its 2010, 2011, or 2015. So the question is, why wait? He is already tearing up AA, and he has plus power potential. I think at this point, I'm leaning towards signing a stopgap guy (like a Nick Johnson), and letting Ike Davis earn the job midseason.
Overall, I think this is a good problem to have. The Mets have options, and I think both Daniel Murphy and Ike Davis have trade value. Ultimately, the team will have to decide on one of them, because there really isn't room for both.
