Daniel Murphy To The Minors In 2010?

Jon Heyman of SI.com mentioned something over the weekend regarding Mets first baseman Daniel Murphy that caught my attention.

While reporting that Carlos Delgado may still attempt to comeback this season, if only for just one or two weeks, he also throws this in,

The Mets have thought about possibly bringing back Delgado on an incentive-laden deal, according to sources. While Daniel Murphy is showing signs of power in recent days, the Mets also haven’t ruled out returning Murphy to the minors next year for more seasoning.

Murphy probably would most likely benefit from a half season in AAA, but I find it surprising that after allowing him to spend all this time at this level, that they would simply ship him to Buffalo to start the 2010 season.

At this point they should simply find a one-year option at first base and still keep Murphy around in a reserve role where he can be tutored by whomever the Mets decide to bring in.

I really have no interest in bringing Delgado back by the way. Unless of course it’s for an incentive loaded deal with no more than a $3-4 million dollar base salary. I would also be more inclined to offer him a one-year deal if he were to prove his health by playing winter ball in Puerto Rico.

But getting back to Murphy, I’m wondering if a demotion would sit well with him?

At this point it might do more harm than good.