So with the bulk of the offseason looming, there are many questions surrounding the Mets. One that fans would not think would be a huge issue is first base.
Ike Davis had a solid rookie year hitting .264 with 19 HR and 71 RBI (just three behind the Mets rookie record set by Darryl Strawberry in 1983).
He played a Gold-Glove caliber first base and is booming with potential.
I have been hearing some possible free agent signings and trades over the last week. Most appear unlikely due to contractual issues or financial constraints. However, one that caught my eye was a possible deal that would send Ike Davis to the Brewers for Prince Fielder.
At first, I thought to myself, “I would never want the Mets to make this trade.” But after giving it some thought, it might be a deal they may want to consider.
Before I go on, I’d like everyone to know that in my opinion, Davis could blossom into a terrific power-hitting first baseman. The Mets have lacked a true power threat for the past few seasons and could use a jolt in the power department.
Enter Prince Fielder. Though Fielder had somewhat of an off year in 2010, the man’s got raw power. He averages 37 HR per 162 games and has driven in over 100 runs in three of his five full seasons, including 141 in 2009.
Now why would the Brewers trade such an impressive talent who is only 26? Well the business aspect of baseball comes into play.
Fielder will be a free agent after the 2011 season, and let’s be honest: There’s no way the Brewers will have the budget to re-sign the big guy. Rather than let him walk for just compensatory draft picks, the Brewers would be smart to trade him for a high-level prospect.
Enter Ike Davis. Davis has proven he can hit major league pitching but suffered from a few stretches of inconsistency this season. Scouts have compared him to an Adam LaRoche-type player (above average power, solid glove, will strike out a good amount, hit somewhere between .260 and .280).
So would trading a young Ike Davis who “projects” into an Adam LaRoche be worth Prince Fielder?
I will be the first to say that I am extremely torn on this possibility. I enjoyed watching Davis for us this year. He had some clutch hits and hit some monstrous home runs.
But I also realize the presence that Prince Fielder would have in the middle of the Mets order. There’s no telling if Davis will develop the raw power of Fielder. I wonder what the Mets would do if the Brewers were willing to pull the trigger on this deal (another major consideration).
When looking at this deal, it would make sense for both teams. The Mets desperately need a consistent power threat, and the Brewers would solve their first base vacancy for the next few seasons.
Like I said, I’m glad I am not in charge of making this decision, but I am curious to what the fans think. Feel free to let me know if you would make this deal or place your confidence in Ike, and of course why or why not.
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