The New York Mets acquired first baseman James Loney this afternoon from the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash considerations. Mets GM Sandy Alderson stated that the 32-year old first baseman is expected to be with the team by Monday. Loney also is expected to be in a platoon role at first base and mainly facing right-handed pitching. He had been in Triple-A with the San Diego Padres organization since the beginning of the season, after his surprise release from the Tampa Bay Rays, and was hitting .342 with two home runs and 28 RBI’s in 43 games.

Loney will not replace Duda’s power as that is not they type of hitter he is, but he offers the Mets a veteran player who plays a good defensive first base and is a solid contact hitter. The Mets have been scouting Loney for the past couple of days and they must’ve come away liking what they had seen from the first baseman. Wilmer Flores is supposed to be activated off the disabled list by tomorrow which means he more than likely will be Loney’s platoon partner at first.

Manager Terry Collins was very enthusiastic about Loney’s acquisition.”He’ll add a nice dimension to us,” said Collins. “He’s a very good first baseman. He’s a good offensive player. He’s not necessarily a big power guy. I’ve known him since he was 17. He’s a tremendous guy in the clubhouse.”

This was a solid move that did not cost the Mets much at all. The Mets needed a viable replacement for Duda and I believe they found one in James Loney. Loney is a career .285/.338/.411 hitter over ten seasons in the majors with the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Rays.