Mets still searching for partner for Ike Davis trade
Ron AntonelliMets continue their pursuit to trade Ike Davis.
The Mets continued their effort to find a partner for an Ike Davis trade on Friday, but the group of teams to collaborate with got a little bit smaller.
The Tampa Bay Rays, who had dialogue with the Mets about Davis during the MLB Winter Meetings, found a first baseman by re-signing James Loney.
There remain several teams interested in acquiring a first baseman. The Milwaukee Brewers have already engaged in discussions with Mets GM Sandy Alderson at the meetings and those continued Friday. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros also may need a first baseman, but have been less active in their pursuits.
In addition to Davis, Texas' Mitch Moreland and possibly Seattle's Justin Smoak could be available to teams looking to fill that spot.
The Rangers' deal with the Tigers to get Prince Fielder bumped Moreland down the depth chart to a place where he might be only a part-time DH. The Mariners just signed Corey Hart and dealt with the Marlins to get Logan Morrison; With Smoak that makes three players capable of manning first base.
Smoak was the prospect that most interested Seattle in 2010 and was the reason it dealt Cliff Lee to the Rangers that year.
Loney got a three-year, $21 million deal with Tampa Bay. He played for the Rays last season and hit .299/.348/.430 while playing excellent defense at first. He was reportedly seeking a three-year deal for at least $27 million. According to a report, the Brewers' negotiations with Loney broke down over his request for a three-year contract.
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