Ernest Dove - Hi, I'm Sandy. Wanna trade?

     With the Mets finally swooping in and grabbing the (hopefully) power hitting, clean up hitting, outfielder they needed so desperately, Sandy Alderson and Company now find themselves heading into Day 1 at the winter meetings in Orlando. And, despite the big signing, I'm assuming Sandy won't just be discussing that North East Coast weather everyone has been having.

      Depending on who you ask, the main players on the trading block remain the same. With the Mets, maybe or maybe not, having around $15 million left to spend, they head to sunny Central Florida to possible add a few more pieces, while also possibly shedding at least another $8 million off the current roster. If my Math is correct, that $8 million is from the contracts of Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy.

      Now, if you've read any of my recent articles, you may know about my stance on the whole Davis/Duda dilemma. Bottom line is that, if the Mets go through with trading Davis, it must have at least a little more to do then just the reports of him having the 'better trade value'. I mean, seriously, if the Mets thought he could hit over .250 and blast 30+ homers this coming season, and beyond, they would not be sticking with Lucas 'I love to take pitches' Duda. Like everything else that has happened with the Mets these past 3 seasons under Sandy, all that Mets fans can really do at this point is wait and see.

      Recent reports have Sandy possibly focusing on 'tinkering' with the Mets roster, and not necessarily going after another BIG FISH. Sandy also quoted as saying that Ruben Tejada might also be staying right where he is, as the starting shortstop for the Mets. So it's about the little pieces. Now, for me, my take on hearing about the Mets not pursuing any other big time players, means that the Mets should not, and will not, be trading away any of their top pitching prospects (Montero, Syndergaard or deGrom). However, as we all know, there remains a bit of a pile up at second base, and First base. And, based on pure finances, the Mets with the only legit money to be trimmed off the top belong to Murph and Davis.

      So Let's start with Daniel Murphy. I feel like it was only yesterday that the Mets, and their fans, had a battle over what to do with this guy. He forced his way onto the diamond on a regular basis by continuing to hit, hit, hit. Now, after finally seeming to get comfortable in his position, EY Jr becomes a Met, Wilmer Flores gets promoted, and just recently Justin Turner got released. So, something has to give.

      I think it may have something to do with one big combination of Murphy's salary, Tejada's ability to leadoff, and EY Jr.'s versatility to solidify both of those roles as needed. Oh, and must we not forget. It wasn't too long ago that Daniel Murphy was rumored to be trade bait before, in order to obtain a relief pitcher. Are they going to try this again? And, if so, who plays second base? Will Wilmer ever get a chance to play? Or will he be added to a package with the other Mets player on the trading block?

      For me, I still say, why trade away the only guy (minus his always short and random 1 for 15 skid) who can consistently hit over .280? What can we get, for a guy who hits over .280, can steal bases, and play numerous positions on the field? If it was me, I say forget the whole trade for a pitcher idea, and keep Murphy, unless they can get a legit shortstop with a bit of homerun power for him (and whatever non top 10 prospect to add to the package).

      Then comes Ike Davis. The guy nobody knows what to do with. What if he stays on the Mets, and goes 4 for 50 to start the season? What if he stays on the Mets, and hits 10 homers in April? What if he hits 30 homers and 100 rbi's for another team? We can debate forever as to what Ike Davis was projected to do, what he is capable of doing, and what he will do with the rest of his career. So, you know what, I say.............keep him.

      Maybe I'm wrong (share you comments if I am, its cool), but can the Mets get a legit starting MLB player, or MLB-ready top prospect, for Ike Davis right now? All I've read about through the grapevine is that Ike Davis has been rumored to other teams trying to also give up on a guy, and play the whole 'change of scenery' game. Well, how often do you see BOTH teams win that game? Oh well, anyway, I'm ending this on a positive note.

      The Mets organization has been bashed enough the past 3 years. Heck, I can barely read any good articles declaring Curtis Granderson a great pickup. So instead, I again put my faith in good old Sandy. At this point, It's all I really CAN do. Last time I checked (at least as of 7pm on Sunday night), the Mets still had Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Jenrry Mejia, Rafael Montero, and Noah Syndergaard on the roster). I'll take those arms any day.......Oh, and we still have David Wright.