2
2011
B.J. Upton For Daniel Murphy?
An article by 
The season is over. Once again the Mets failed to reach the postseason. Nothing new, and certainly not surprising. Time to start looking toward the offseason.
Would B.J. Upton make sense in CF for the New York Mets in 2012?
Centerfield will be a wide open position for the Mets in 2012. While I don’t think Non-Tendering Angel Pagan is a good idea, it may happen. I think Pagan is at least a valuable 4th OF. However his talent may not equal what he gets awarded in arbitration. If the Mets feel that is the case he is a goner.
Upton has been on the trading block for awhile now. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Maybe both. There’s no secret Upton has a cocky personality that has clashed with teammates in the past (see Longoria spat). That can be a toxic substance to bring into a clubhouse that made great steps forward in 2011. However that toxic substance can hit for a power. And right now the Mets badly need an influx of power.
Upton’s 2011 Batting Line- .243 AVG, 23 HR, 81 RBI, .429 SLG, 71 BB, 161 K* in 560 AB
Obviously the average leaves a lot to be desired. Pagan hit .262 in 2011. The strikeouts are also WAY to high. However he hit 23 HR this season. Not to mention he has shown he can take the ball out of Citi Field at will in the past. Now with the dimensions being altered and walls coming down a tad, Upton will surely flourish at Citi Field.
Defense is also a big key to Upton’s game. He has quick legs and has shown the ability to cover his position well. Could be a nice replacement for Angel Pagan in Citi Field’s spacious CF.
Murphy’s 2011 Batting Line – .320 AVG, 6 HR, 49 RBI, .448 SLG, 24 BB, 42 K in 391 AB
Murphy could play a variety of positions for the Tampa Bay Rays. He can mainly play 1B while alternating at DH. He could even spell Evan Longoria at times at 3B from time to time.
While I’m not sure if the Rays would say yes to a straight up swap of Upton for Murphy. I’m quite positive they’d say no. Murphy is coming off back to back seasons where he was injured. More than likely the Rays would ask us for another piece to even out the trade. One name I like is Fernando Martinez. He’s still young despite his constant injury problems that have haunted his young career. If he can get it together he still has potential to be a mediocre MLB player.
Would Rays say yes to a Murphy/Martinez for Upton swap? I think it’s possible. At very least Murphy is a starting point in talks.
About the Author: Benjamin Yoel
Graduate of St. John's University. Majored in Sports Management. Torn on where career will take me next. Considering Baseball Operations, Scouting, and Journalism. Writer for Metsmerized Online & StLucieToFlushing.com. Devout #Mets fan.
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How about Murphy and Valdespin? Valdespin is a future headache so headache for headache?
No one wants Fernando Martinez and no one thinks as highly of Daniel Murphy as Mets fans do. Murphy is coming off of his 2nd straight season ending injury. Considering Martinez’s injury history and Murphy’s increasing injury history…do you really think a cash strapped organization who values scouting and promoting their own young players is going to trade a 26 year old who’s power numbers are increasing for 2 guys who’s only numbers that are increasing are their DNP’s. Let’s be realistic when we come up with possible trades that the Mets aren’t going to do anyway.
How about David Wright and Jason Bay to the Brewers for Greinke, Braun, Cory Hart, and Axford. Discuss.
To be fair to Murphy his injuries have been of the fluke variety. The spring injury in ’10 could’ve happened to anyone, and the season ender this year happened because he was in an awkward fielding position and got hit by the baserunner. So I don’t think his overall trade value is really affected. Martinez, on the other hand, makes a bad habit of getting hurt and getting on the field 90 times or less per year, so HIS value is understandably low.
Now, as to an Upton-for-Murphy swap it would take considerably more for the Rays to part with Upton. As Bayonne pointed out, possibly Valdespin might be another piece. But still I’m not sure that will be enough. While Upton has some issues (attitude and K’s) he still has legit power and speed and draws an acceptable number of walks. I do think Upton would be someone that Alderson might have interest in because:
A-he hits for power
B-can draw some walks
C-can really play CF (Alderson is already on record as saying the “D” needs significant improvemt)
I would like to see the Mets pursue Upton, despite his issues. He may benefit from working with Dave Hudgens at improving his contact rate. And his attitude issues seem to be a little less since the infamous incident with Longoria last year. Let’s see what happens. Would love to see it happen.
Good points – he’s not a prospect, he’s not a draft pick
Good points – He’s 28, in his prime and I like getting players in their prime to help me win
why? Because I like winning baseball games and I like fighting for the post season all the time and I will try whatever means necessary within my constraints to do so
Bad points – just include Valdespin in the deal and I’ll put up with it
His defense took a lot of criticism this year, though.
Does he have the good reputation defensively because he is a good athlete who makes flashy plays, or does he actually have good instincts and makes hard plays look easy (ex Carlos Beltran)?
“How about David Wright and Jason Bay to the Brewers for Greinke, Braun, Cory Hart, and Axford. Discuss.”
Discuss what? That not only would never happen, it wouldn’t even be considered for laughing off.
If that happens, I’ll cease being a Mets fan after 47 years because I’d croak from amazement.
What about trading a broken down right fielder with two bad knees, an 18 million dollar contract, a 2 month rental, and no draft picks for a Baseball America top 10 pitcher and number one prospect of a world series champion? That didnt amaze you? If youve been watching baseball that many years Im shocked you still dont know anything can and always does happen.
Not really,
Because Carlos Beltran wasn’t a broken down right fielder, he was having a terrific season, and was the best hitter available at the trading deadline.
So, the fact that the got a very good prospect back from trading him really isn’t amazing.
Sarcasm, DaveUpstateNY, sarcasm. Look it up.
The Rays would be weighing offers vs. the two first round picks they would receive if he left via free agency and whoever did trade for him would probably want to have a deal in place beforehand so what’s that cost?
It’s hard to believe that Murphy’s SLG % is higher than Upton’s despite being out homered 23-6. That just goes to show how much of an all or nothing free swinger Upton is.
Murphy and the money spent elsewhere is probably more valuable than a shrinking violet type player like Upton unless you had a a really good team in place everywhere but CF. To add him to that would be worthwhile, to add him to a team where he would have to be a major component would be a big gamble.
Murphy is also a good use of a roster spot. He can spell guys at four different positions if necessary and his LH bat off the bench in a key spot for Wright or Bay gives us at least the chance of getting something done.
The Rays will trade Upton or Shields this Winter, they cant afford both after this season. They will want a major league ready bat for either one. They dont need pitching. Murphy would be a great start to a deal.
I think Shields makes us better than Upton.
yo can debate the relative value of shields vs. upton (as a trade return) of course, but IMO if they have the chance to get back an upper rotation SP, that has to be the priority.
they have offense, and a decent number of higher level prospects to cover spots, but they are woefully short of SP at the ML level right now.
Plus, it is always easier to find an OF for a 1 year fill in than it is to get a good SP.
I agree. Upton’s a nice player but if you’re going to deal Valdespin and Murphy to Tampa, might as well look into Shields first, who’s both a better player and a better value. He’s a top of the rotation pitcher this team could use, not only next year but in two and three years when the young guys come up and he’s got 3 relatively cheap option years through 2014. Personally, I think they could use an established front of the rotation workhorse to take pressure off of Harvey, Familia, Mejia and Wheeler when/if they eventually make it up to the big league rotation. Remember…there’s no such thing as a pitching prospect.
Wow I was just thinking about this proposal today, we’re sharing a brain. Murphy could DH for them.
It would take a lot more Than Murphy for Shields.Probably Duda and Murphy to start.I’d do that in a heartbeat.Shields would be a nice guy to have around to help mentor the young arms coming up.
2009 – .247, 2010 – .231, 2011 – .241 – Murphy is a thousand times the hitter Upton is right now. And there’s two schmoes here saying the Rays would laugh at us?? Whatever.
Krane you’d be getting a much better defensive CF’er than we have now and he has much more power than Murphy.Murphy can slap line drives all day but he’s a liability on the bases and in the field.He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed as far as baseball smarts go.I’d much rather put a package together for shields though.
Murphy wasnt a liability at First.
That’s not a good trade for the Mets who should have no use for another high K, low BA hitter on a team thriving on high OBP. Might as well then keep Pagan, move him to a corner and put Bay in CF.
The better move I think would be to non-tender Pagan and his poor defense and fill CF in the short term with someone like a Rick Ankiel or Mike Cameron if he doesn’t retire. In another year we’ll be looking in house toward Matt Den Dekker and captain K as possibilities. Murphy is the best pure hitter on this team and if traded, it should not be for a player with multiple holes in his offense.
Non-tendering Pagan would be a no-brainer accept for his legitimate 30-40 steal threat. Other than that he’s replaceable. The Mets have a decision to make and that involves how much stolen base threat they’re willing to relinquish for very highly necessary CF defense. Upton definitely has the wheels and can play a good CF, but there’s no way his high K’s help a team who already have a problem with that between Wright, Bay, and Davis.
I’d try to trade for KC’s Lorenzo Cain who’s very talented but has no place to play on a very good outfield of Gordon, Cabrera, and Francouer all still young, just now nearing prime.
Except Cain can’t hit either. BJ is a problem, and will not fit in NY very well…
Cain can’t hit? Maybe you have him confused with someone else or haven’t checked his stats in majors and minors. Cain can definitely hit.
.306 in the majors and .295 in the minors.
2011 Minors – .312/.380/.497/.877 – includes 16 homers, 81 RBI, 26 Steals
2010 Minors – .317/.402/.432/.834 – includes 3 homers, 27 RBI, 16 Steals
I’ve seen him play when he was with the Brewers and I recall being very impressed with his talent.
I was impressed with Cain a couple of times I saw Milwaukee come to NY. It’s hard to judge based on just two games but he stood out to me. Not positive he would remain at CF but Citi Field really requires a CFer in RF as well depending on the re alignment.
I would like this deal. However, the one question that I have is, WILL BJ UPTON ADJUST TO CITI FIELD?! Jason Bay and David Wright have had difficulty adjusting their swings to Citi Field, so I wonder if its going to be the same thing with Upton.
The fences are being moved in and lowered
After seeing Murph’s defensive skills I thought he was in the wrong league and he should be in the AL as a DH and utility fielder in the late innings or filling in for an injured player or to give a regular a day off. Call me crazy but I would like to see us talk to the Blue Jays (if Reyes goes) for Kelly Johnson. Put Tejada at second, Johnson at second and what an infield, Wright, Tejada, Johnson and Ike Davis. It may not be the best in the league but it would be right up there. Also Johnson can get hot with his bat on occassion and carry a team for awhile. I saw him do this in Arizona.
Based on his salary (Johnson’s) and the multitude of 2B options in house, if you are trading Murphy + whomever, it needs to be strengthening a weakness. Be it the BP, The SP, C or CF, those are the top areas of concern. While Johnson is a decent player for sure, I can’t see Murphy for him. Now, if it was part of a package for one of their young catchers…
I see your points and here is an alternative, Jordan Schaeffer of the Astros. He was highly rated in the Braves organization (a work in progress but lots of potentiual and a real good defensive center fielder). Call me crazy again but the Braves have soured on Jason Heyward and the GM there made the comment that he will have to earn his right field job in spring training. I can see him coming to the Mets for a starting pitcher as they want to say goodbye to Lowe.
Anyone know if Ryan Doumit was any good behind the plate last few years?
probably not, since he wasn’t much good before that!
He hit decently though. Just curious, cause his option isn’t going to be picked up and he’s coming back from an ankle injury. risk/reward type. Eventually some of this crap i’m slapping up against the wall will stick.
Doumit plays terrible defense – He’s a nice hitter, but he wouldn’t be a good fit for us because Thole is the same type of player.
We need to get a solid defensive catcher, even if he’s not that great of hitter.
Cool, thanks.
PS> my mistake in above comment. I meant Tejada at short. sorry.
I’m sorry but trading for a guy with lesser BA merely because he has more HRs is complete folly considering where we play half our Ballgames!
I have no real problem wanting to trade Pagan but getting another CF for him is not going to net you much and will do nothing for you should capt Kirk show he can play in the MLB.
If we are going to make trades then it should be for positions where there is no internal option either here or in the MiLs.
BATTING G▼ AB▼ R▼ H▼ TB▼ 2B▼ 3B▼ HR▼ RBI▼ BB▼ IBB▼ SO▼ SB▼ CS▼ AVG▼ OBP▼ SLG▼ OPS▼ GO
2010 LAA 51 181 19 37 69 6 4 6 15 6 0 40 10 3 .204 .237 .381 .618
2011 LAA 147 502 72 136 220 26 11 12 43 32 0 124 22 9 .271 .327 .438 .765 1.29 108
CAREER 198 683 91 173 289 32 15 18 58 38 0 164 32 12 .253 .303 .423 .727 1.34
This is Peter Bourjous hitting the last two seasons.
They need a 3rd baseman Murphy for Him might not be bad. We can trade Pagan for a Pitcher or keep him as 4th.
Does not translate well to this format>
G▼ AB▼ R▼ H▼ TB▼ 2B▼ 3B▼ HR▼ RBI▼ BB▼ IBB▼ SO▼ SB▼ CS▼ AVG▼ OBP▼
2011 LAA 147 502 72 136 220 26 11 12 43 32 0 124 22 9 .271 .327 .438 .765
CAREER 198 683 91 173 289 32 15 18 58 38 0 164 32 12 .253 .303 .423 .727
He K’s a ton, if I’m reading those numbers correctly. does have some speed. How’s his defense?
Total chances 521
Errors 5
assists 17
Career wise
The Rays would say Yes in a heartbeat to a Murphy for Upton swap. Why? Because Upton is a free agent after next year and Murphy is not Arbitration eligible until after 2012. One Year of Upton or 4 years of Murphy before free agency. Btw, Upton had a 4.1 War in 640 pa and Murphy had a 3.2 War in 423 pa. This is why you do not make this trade. Murphy with 4 years before free agency is worth much more than Upton with one year remaining before free agency.
FINALLY, someone with a brain.
(Also Upton’s gonna make around $7M next season, while Murph will pull in less than a tenth of that.)
you also have to take into account positional need.
As in, Mets could use a better CF, and at this point don’t really have a place for Murphy to play.