Mets' Davis, Collins deny ESPN report
The New York Mets may look into trading Ike Davis this winter, as they will so many of their players. But it won't be because of anything to do with Davis' life off the field.
Both Davis and manager Terry Collins denied an ESPN report on Tuesday stating that some Mets officials are upset with Davis' nightlife. The report also accused Davis of being resistant to coaching.
"I don't really have an answer for that because it's never been an issue," Davis said before rain postponed Tuesday's game between the Mets and Phillies. "I've never done anything wrong. I show up to the field ready to play every day. I really don't even know where it's coming from, and it's not really true. It is what it is. People can say whatever they want. It's not going to bother us."
Davis has successfully rebounded from a rough start to the season, hitting .264 with 22 home runs since June 9. His salary is set to escalate through arbitration this winter, perhaps giving the Mets some incentive to trade him.
The Mets also might be close to giving up on Lucas Duda as an outfielder. Because both Duda and Davis are left-handed hitters, that means the team eventually might have to decide which of them is a better long-term solution at first base.
But no part of that decision process, Collins said, has to do with Davis as a person.
"I don't want this to ever be a defamation on his character," Collins said. "He's a standup guy. As a matter of fact, he speaks the truth above and beyond the need for it."
