Ike Davis Out of New York

Yesterday about 2 hours before first pitch Ike Davis was traded to Pittsburgh for Zack Thornton and a player to be named later. Everyone had a feeling that something was going on because it was about 5 o'clock and the lineup was still not posted. The Mets also had to make a move somewhere because Chris Young was expected to be activated from the DL.

The era of Ike Davis as the Mets first basemen comes to a dissapointing end even though it had started off with such promise. After being drafted in the 1st Round of the 2008 draft by the Mets, there was some high expectations. Also after a great Rookie season it looked like Ike was the future of the Mets. In 2011 Ike started the season off to a hot start before suffering an ankle injury that cost him the rest of the year. Even though in 2012 he hit 32 HR it seemed like his swing was never the same.

He struggled in 2013 and even saw a stint in the Triple-A after being sent down. Going into the last offseason the Mets really tried to trade Ike but could not find the right deal. This trade was just waiting to happen, it was only a matter of time before Ike was on his way out.

The trade will hopefully help the Mets and Lucas Duda. Duda now knows he is the everyday first basemen. He doesn't have to worry about if he is playing tomorrow after he has a bad game. This will be a boost of confidence for Duda and hopefully he takes off and nails down the job.

This will also give Davis a clean slate and a fresh start. New York is not a easy place to play especially when you and the team are struggling. Going to Pittsburgh and the opportunity for ABs and consistent playing time will be good for Davis. The Pirates are looking for some pop in the middle of the order and someone they can consistently run out to first base. Watching Ike's swing he shows flashes of power but I just don't know he can find that stroke he had when he first came up in the league.

The player the Mets received was minor leaguer  Zack Thornton. A 25 year-old right hander reliever who was pitching in Triple-A. The Mets see him as someone who could potentially be a piece in the bullpen. Sources are reporting that the player to be named later is the significant piece in the deal who is expected to be a 2013 draftee.