Adam Rubin believes the Mets are thinking along the lines of what I wrote earlier in the week. Rather than block Ike Davis with a long term first base solution they are, writes Rubin, “likely to trade for a righty-hitting first baseman with a short-term commitment to pair with Daniel Murphy in 2010.”

The most realistic name that comes to mind is Paul Konerko. Last year he put up an .842 OPS (OPS + 114) and mashed LHP with an OPS over 1.000. For his career he hits lefties at an OPS over .900. He isn’t known for his glove, but his statistics indicate that he isn’t a complete butcher at first base. In the event that Murphy struggles this is the type of guy that can provide you the kind of power you need at first base. As a matter of fact I rather see Murphy on the bench and Konerko play every day. He is slated to make $12 million dollars next year, the last of his deal, so he isn’t cheap, but no one of quality will be inexpensive. He does have 10/5 rights and a no trade clause so I don’t know how this comes into play.

Here is another idea. If the Mets like Murphy so much why not bring in Xavier Nady on a one year deal. He is coming off arm surgery, probably can’t play the OF, and most likely wouldn’t command a multiyear deal on the open market. He might even cost less than Konerko and he hits lefties almost as well with an .852 career OPS. He hasn’t played first base consistently since early in his career, but I am sure he can pick it up again quickly.

There are other free agents, like Kevin Millar, but I think you need someone that will be able to step in full time in case Murphy falters and Davis needs more seasoning. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with either of those individuals. Konerko would be the best choice, and Nady not a bad fallback option.

Of course, if Davis proves he is ready than you have a very good problem – too many quality first base options. Never a bad thing.

Jerry has his vulture

The other piece of news at Rubin’s blog was that Manny Acta was a candidate for third base. Somehow I remember him being a lousy third base coach in 2005. So much so they moved him over to first base in 2006 and Manuel to the bench. Acta clearly would be the interim choice to replace Manuel if things go sour early. Personally I wasn’t impressed with Acta’s performance in Washington. I realize it was a bad team, but none of the young talent seemed to get better under his watch. He also captained one of the most undisciplined team I have ever seen. Perhaps the personnel were incorrigible, but I wonder how much Acta had to do with that. Either way, I am very unimpressed with Manuel’s staff – with or without Acta.

Tags: Chicago White Sox, Ike Davis, Kevin Millar, Manny Acta, New York Mets, Paul Konerko, Washington Nationals, Xavier Nady