Mack - Davis or Duda: Let The Trade Wars Begin

There is a chance, though possibly small, that the Mets will have two sizzling left handed first baseman bats at the end of spring training.

There’s also a chance they both will be healthy.

If so, phones will ring and, most probably, will be from both the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Both never did solve their first base woes and what better would be Ike Davis sending line drives to the gap or Lucas Duda going consistently yard.

Pittsburgh has already proven they are trade friendly with Sandy Alderson. Milwaukee hasn’t. An attempted trade by Alderson to secure pitching almost prospect Tyler Thornburg never got to… err… first base. I never could figure out that one unless it involved an unnamed third team that wanted the guy.

The Mets would be looking to improve at shortstop and a few things need to be said before discussing this any further. For certain, Jean Segura will be the Brewers’ shortstop, Aramis Ramirez will be at third, and Rickie Weeks will play second. Weeks competition at 2B, Scooter Gennett, hasn’t played yet this spring, and Jeff Bianchi (14-39, .368) is the UT guy. Elian Herrera, who has played some short in the minors, is probably your 3rd consideration for UT. Others that have played some short this spring include Juan Francisco (L – 13-26, .346), Sean Halton (R – 6-23, .261), Mark Reynolds ( R – 10-41, .244), Martin Maldonado (R - 3-3, .128), and Lyle Overbay(L - 4-33, .121).

The Brewers simply do not match up with the Mets for a shortstop… but what they do have is a ton of pitching coming down the pipeline.

The current rotation stacks up as: Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse, Matt Garza, Marco Estrada, and Wily Peralta… but look what’s on the way:

#1 prospect RHP Jimmy Nelson (2013), #2 RHP Taylor Jungmann (2014), #3 RHP Johnny Hellweg (2013), #10 RHP Michael Blasek (2013), #14 RHP Ariel Pena, #15 RHP Drew Gagnon (2014), #16 LHP Jed Bradley.

You would have to think the Mets could approach one of the teams that has an extra shortstop (or two) with the names of a couple of these pitchers to pick from.

Regarding Pittsburgh, they still are looking for an upgrade from Chris McGuiness platooning with Gary Sanchez. They go into season with three shortstops, none of which light my fire: Josh Harrison (10-30, .333), Jordy Mercer (5-26, .192), and Clint Barnes (4-21, .190).

Now, if you want to really roll the dice, offer up either Duda or Davis for top prospect SS Alen Hanson (4-10, .400) – ETA 2015

MLB: Scouting Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Arm: 45 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

Hanson was one of the Pirates' breakout prospects in 2012, and he continued that progress in 2013, finishing his second year of full-season ball with Double-A Altoona.

Hanson has fast hands, helping him square up balls consistently from both sides of the plate. He has more power than his frame would suggest and can drive balls to all fields. He has above-average speed and aggressively uses it on the basepaths, but is still learning how to be a basestealer.

For all his offensive prowess, Hanson remains a work in  at shortstop. He has good range and his infield actions are improved, but his arm strength is fringy. Scouts are divided on whether he can remain at shortstop or if he is better suited for second base. No matter where he ends up defensively, Hanson's bat will play.

Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#67) | Top 10 Shortstops Prospects (#8)

You live with Ruben Tejada for one more season… well, maybe you start Hanson in Binghamton, send him to Vegas around the all-star break, and you could even see him in Queens by September.

Just some food for thought.