The Mets entered the 2014 season with both Lucas Duda and Ike Davis manning first base, with Josh Satin on reserve as a platoon partner. While the position has been a dark hole for New York ever since Carlos Delgado left a few years back, fans remained hopeful that either Duda or Davis would develop into a player who is capable of putting up a respectable rate. When Ike Davis was shipped off to Pittsburgh in late-April, Duda was handed the starting gig on a silver platter, despite not doing much to secure it (only hit .256/.333/.465 with 3 HR in 15 games before Davis trade).
In this article, we will be previewing the 2015 first base situation for the Mets, including minor league players.
Lucas Duda- As mentioned earlier, Duda didn't get off to a great start in 2014. However, after the team dealt Davis to the Pirates, "The Dude" slugged 27 homers with 84 RBI in 138 games. He finished the season with a slash line of .253/.349/.481 with 30 HR and 92 RBI. This marked a significant step in Duda's development, as he only hit 15 long balls in each of the preview two seasons.
Duda's one weakness is left handed pitching. In 2014, he hit a mere .180/,264/.252 with only 2 home runs, as opposed to .273/.372/.543 with 28 homers against right handed pitching. That should raise a big red flag for the organization, as it marks a big obstacle that he will have to push through if he wants to continue his success.
In terms of the future, Duda will start the 2015 as the team's 1st baseman, with Michael Cuddyer occasionally spotting him against a tough lefty. There's no reason as to why Lucas shouldn't repeat his 2014 performance, so 30 homers can be expected again. His problem against lefties will be the only issue that holds back his development into more of a complete player, and hopefully we see a big improvement with that throughout the 2015 season.
2015 prediction for Duda: .250/.360/.490, 32 HR, 95 RBI
Eric Campbell- Campbell, also known as "Soup", had a nice 2014 season off the bench for New York, hitting .263/.322/.358 in 85 games. He also demonstrated his extreme versatility as he played at every position except catcher and center field.
The way I see it is, Campbell will be essentially a more versatile version of Josh Satin, as well as a better hitter. If need be, he could platoon with Duda from time to time, as well as give Wright some much needed days off at third base in the thick of the season. He isn't a shoe-in to make the team in the spring, but his strong 2014 showing has definitely helped his cause.
(MiLB)
Dominic Smith
Age: 19
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs
Bats; Left
Throws: Left
Position: 1B
Acquired: 1st round via 2013 MLB Amateur Draft
MLB ETA: Late-2018
Potential: B+
When the Mets selected Dominic Smith in the 1st round of the 2013 draft, they continued their trend of drafting players directly out of high school. Smith had looked like a player with plenty of room to grow, and also capable of playing both first base and right field. His first season was a solid one, where he hit .301/.398/.439 throughout 51 games in the Rookie level.
New York surprised some by placing him directly into Savannah last year, and he did regress. As a 19 year old, in a league where the average age was 21.5, he hit .271/.344/.338 with one homer in 126 games. Yes, you read that right. One home run, for a first baseman.
There's two things to consider here. The minor league level he played at is notorious for it's large ballparks, and difficulty for hitters. Savannah's team leader in homers was tied between Matt Oberste and Stefan Sabol, who each hit only 8 bombs for the season. However, that should not fully excuse Smith for only hitting one long ball for the entire season. Right now, we'll say it's part of the development process, but 2014 wasn't really a step forward for the youngster.
Smith's future is kind of a mystery, since he is still so early in his development. In the short term, he should start the season in Savannah once again, and try and make improvements at the plate. If he can consistently develop and work his way up the minor leagues, expect to see him as a September call-up in a few seasons. My money is on 2018.
(MiLB)
Dominic Smith
Age: 19
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs
Bats; Left
Throws: Left
Position: 1B
Acquired: 1st round via 2013 MLB Amateur Draft
MLB ETA: Late-2018
Potential: B+
When the Mets selected Dominic Smith in the 1st round of the 2013 draft, they continued their trend of drafting players directly out of high school. Smith had looked like a player with plenty of room to grow, and also capable of playing both first base and right field. His first season was a solid one, where he hit .301/.398/.439 throughout 51 games in the Rookie level.
New York surprised some by placing him directly into Savannah last year, and he did regress. As a 19 year old, in a league where the average age was 21.5, he hit .271/.344/.338 with one homer in 126 games. Yes, you read that right. One home run, for a first baseman.
There's two things to consider here. The minor league level he played at is notorious for it's large ballparks, and difficulty for hitters. Savannah's team leader in homers was tied between Matt Oberste and Stefan Sabol, who each hit only 8 bombs for the season. However, that should not fully excuse Smith for only hitting one long ball for the entire season. Right now, we'll say it's part of the development process, but 2014 wasn't really a step forward for the youngster.Smith's future is kind of a mystery, since he is still so early in his development. In the short term, he should start the season in Savannah once again, and try and make improvements at the plate. If he can consistently develop and work his way up the minor leagues, expect to see him as a September call-up in a few seasons. My money is on 2018.
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