Who’s on First? Lucas Duda, that’s Who

After insisting that Lucas Duda would not be moved to first base while Ike Davis works out his troubles in the minors, Terry Collins announced on Monday that he is moving Lucas Duda to first base while Ike Davis works out his troubles in the minors.

“We just thought that’s where he plays the best,” Collins said about Duda moving back to his natural position. “He’s excited about being back over there, which I think is a very positive thing. ”

Just last week Collins said he did not want Duda to play first because it could be seen as a slight to Davis. He didn’t want Davis to fear that he was losing his job. Apparently that is no longer a consideration.

“You’re allowed to change,” Collins said. “There’s nothing etched in stone. You’re allowed to make changes and you’re allowed to make decisions that you think are in the best interests of the ballclub. Last week, we made decisions we thought were in the best interests of the club. They didn’t work. So as I ask our players to adjust, I’ve got to do the same thing. I’ve got to make some changes.”

Duda understands that this is temporary.

“Obviously, I know it’s Ike’s position,” Lucas  said. “I’m just there to help out the team anyway I can. I don’t really feel like there’s any awkwardness.”

The move of Daniel Murphy back to second base apparently means the great Jordany Valdespin experiment is over. Valdespin was 3-23 in six games since getting the starting job a week ago.

“Dan wants to play second — he’s happy he’s going back to second,” Collins said. “We’ll just see if it transforms into a productive lineup.”

That remains to be seen, as Kirk Nieuwenhuis (.125 batting average) and Juan Lagares (.203) are expected to see more time in the every day lineup.