Is Daniel Murphy Part Of The Mets Future?

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• jessep December 19, 2011 at 4:29 pm

  I don’t know what his future is. I think his trade value is severely effected by the 2 injuries he’s had… and I know people like to think somebody like me can’t think this way but I love Murph.

  When I first got here on my profile he was my favorite Met then I changed it to Reyes because it didn’t even look like Murph would make the team out of spring training.

  His 1st year here I got a Mr. Met tee with his # and name on the back. I remember seeing video of him collecting dirt at Shea and thinking “he gets it”

  He’s a hard worker, plays the right way and even though he doesn’t have the most talent, he gets the most out of the talent he has.

  I wish the Mets were an AL team solely because he’s more of an AL Player.
• Vinny B December 19, 2011 at 3:33 pm

  I completely Joe, I really like Murphy, but he just doesn’t have a spot on this team, and the Mets shouldn’t put him at risk again for another injury by putting him at 2nd…..And we are also going to be hurting our pitchers too by putting a defensively challenged player at 2nd base – It’s just a really bad idea, we are putting Murphy at risk of an injury, and hurting our defense.
• Sach December 19, 2011 at 3:35 pm

  There is no way I would trade Daniel Murphy. He’s just too valuable of an depth player at both 3B & 1B with no other Mets 3B or 1B prospect in sight. If David Wright has another weak, subpar season next year, do the Mets really pick-up his expensive 16MM team option for 2013? I think not. Plus, who plays 1B if Ike reinjures or tweeks his ankle? If Duda, then who plays RF?
• jdon December 19, 2011 at 3:38 pm

  I agree with you Joe. There is no place to put him. He is a disaster at second. And add to the fact that his knees have been damaged three times in the last three years. We talk about Reyes being injury prone. Murphy has a nice bat, could use a little more power, but he is pretty productive offensively. His value is probably higher now than it will ever be. His next injury could be his last, as far as this level of productivity is concerned. He is a bad fielder and a terrible baserunner. If some AL team is willing to take him as a DH, or whatever, you have to condsider it. But do not give him away..
• NJstuckinTX December 19, 2011 at 3:51 pm

  Murphy, like Wright, will have a much higher value once he proves he is healthy and hitting. I think his best contribution to the Mets will be as a trade chip. Wished he could have managed the outfield… oh well…
• Paul S. December 19, 2011 at 3:58 pm

  I also agree. I don’t see Murphy as a long term part of the Mets. He reminds me of Gregg Jeffries. Great stick/No glove. If the Mets could package Murphy; Dillon Gee and for Michael Pineda of the Seattle Mariners. Not that I think they would give him up. But their lineup is horrible. Throw in Josh Satin as well. Pineda looks damn good.
• Des December 19, 2011 at 4:01 pm

  Joe, you say, “I just don’t see him as part of the master plan.”

  I say, what is the master plan? Whether he’s in or out depends in large part on what the plan is. Maybe you’re right Joe. But how can anyone say with certainty? Is Wright going to be here after the trading deadline? If not, does that impact Sandy’s plan? Also, if Murphy goes, what does it do to the payroll, since the Mets will want other player(s) back and they may cost a bit.

  Lots of issues are unsettled. But I hope the Mets get what they need and Murphy goes on to do what he does best. Again, what the Mets need is up in the air and Sandy is holding his cards close to his vest.
• USMF December 19, 2011 at 4:22 pm

  It’s too bad…there is a lot to like about Murph, but he’s probably another Ty Wiggenton.

  I do think that there is a good chance that Wright won’t be on this team in 2013 (if he even makes it past the trade deadline)…I believe that 3rd is Murphs best position, but I think he could become a passable 2nd basemen…From little I’ve seen from him there, he surprised me with his range and his arm…it’s his footwork around the bag and his positioning during plays that worries me. Luckily, that’s the part of the game that can be improved. Look at guys like Utley and Kent, both were good hitters who needed lots of work to become passable defenders…and the both pulled it off.

  The Mets have done him a big disservice by moving him around all the time. How’s he ever going to learn a position if he gets moved three times a year? His throws are good, his glove is good and his reactions are good…it’s his unfamiliarity with the position that gets him in trouble.

  Now there is a good chance that his career is shorted because of injuries to both his knees.

  but yeah…what is the “Master Plan”?
• Donal December 19, 2011 at 4:37 pm

  It was a piss poor attempt at making him a left fielder. “Here’s the bigger glove, kid. Now go out there a little past third base and wait for a fly ball.”

  The big problem is that there aren’t a lot of position players on the farm for the Mets*. Capt Kirk and Havens are the only ones who can field their positions at anything close to a major league levels, and neither of them are defensive gems. All of the others are power hitters (supposedly) with huge holes in their swings.

  Basically, Murphy with more power but also more strike outs.
  • Ghost of omar December 19, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    Of course, your lord sandy’s piss poor attempt to make duda a right fielder is perfection! You are a clown. Everything Omar is bad, everything lord sandy is godly. But you forget all the kids you so desperately crave as the future because lord sandy told you to crave for them, are Omar’s boys and picks. (except for one the greates prospect ever traded for I’m sure) Must make you wanna vomit!!!!!!!!
    • Donal December 19, 2011 at 7:41 pm

      Listen, fanboy, I’m flattered you’ve decided to dedicate your time on me, but if you insist on getting my attention, there is a right way of doing it and this isn’t it. You need to start with proper grammar, spelling and syntax. Typing like a 14 year old girl on a mypace page is just going to draw my ridicule.

      Next, actually have some content. A coherent point backed up by documented facts. Preferably, relevant to the topic at hand.

      After that, I’ll teach you the more complicated stuff. But, you need to get the basics down first, jimmy.
      • Metsie December 19, 2011 at 7:44 pm

        Why no show him an example of what your looking for?

        If you can!
    • vpmets5 December 19, 2011 at 9:31 pm

      Seen a psychiatrist lately?
• AV December 19, 2011 at 4:53 pm

  I agree with the premise of this post that I don’t see Murphy as part of the future plan. I see him more as Hubie Brooks, who was part of the future of the future plan in that he was the highly-touted prospect and young player that became a key piece that netted Gary Carter in 1985.

  There is one scenario in which Murph is part of the future. Let’s say, hypothetically, the following four things are taking place on July 15, 2012:

  - Reese Havens is healthy and playing well at Triple-A, matching or exceeding his average Double-A slash line of .301 AVG/.379 OBP/.505 SLG.
  - Daniel Murphy is matching or exceeding his average MLB career slash line of .292/.343/.441.
  - David Wright is matching or exceeding his average MLB career slash line of .300/.380/.508.
  - The Mets are in last place 20 or more games behind the division leader and 10 or more games behind the 2nd Wild Card team.

  If these things are happening in July 2012, would the Mets be better off trading Wright for the prospect haul, thereby moving Murphy to his natural position of 3B and giving 2B to Reese Havens?
• t agee December 19, 2011 at 4:55 pm

  Murphy had a total of four minor league games in the OF before coming up here in 2008. C’mon. What kind of prospect development plan is that? Alright it was an all hands on deck situation but still. Give me a break.

  .917, .923, .927, .933 at 3B in the minors and then 2011 up here at his “natural position.” Hmmmm. Murphy should be considered a part time starter/utility/pinch hitter until the inevitable injuries hit.

  Then you’ll be glad you kept him and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Murphy finds himself a full time home in the process.
• Metstheory22 December 19, 2011 at 5:31 pm

  I agree, I see him as being traded for something we need. Part of a package for a young CF.
• Mr North Jersey December 19, 2011 at 5:58 pm

  Off Topic: No Darvish news yet?
  • Des December 19, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Since we’re off topic, darvish sounds like something you put on a hotdog!!!
    • Mr North Jersey December 19, 2011 at 6:30 pm

      Now I’m hungry.
• Metsie December 19, 2011 at 6:51 pm

  Well I disagree on this point Joe…

  Murphy’s Future is most definitly at 3B once Wright gets traded!

  They will in effect CREATE the only hole he fits into. And if it isn’t Wright it will be Davis who is he has a good start could command even more in trade than Wright would!

  Sandy is not done cutting payroll yet!
  He can’t trade wright this winter but nothing can stop him at the deadline.
  He will not be able to resign Wright or extend him (No money to do it) so I think Murphy is going to be playing 3B unless Sandy trade Ike instead for a much bigger package of prospects.
  And all of that is dependent on how well Wright and Davis hit next year now that Beltran isn’t there!
  • Des December 20, 2011 at 9:46 am

    Metsie — Murphy’s minor league and major league fielding percentages at 3B are less than mediocre. I love the guy but facts are facts. On a good American League team, Murphy would be terrific. He would raise the ceiling of almost any team that would use him as a DH.

    On another note, the Mets seem headed for a low ceiling existence. We have mediocrity at a lot of positions. At their best, Duda, Tejada, Thole and Bay give us a 3rd place finish. Duda can’t field and is slow, Tejada is a transition guy who can’t run and can’t hit for power, Thole is horrible defensively, including his throwing, and Bay is just not cutting it.
    • Metsie December 20, 2011 at 10:18 am

      Well as you pointed out Des, This FO doesn’t seem to have problems putting mediocre fielders into positions where an All Star who got traded used to play!

      Tejada may be the one guy who can actually handle the position.

      My post was much less about what I would like them to do as it was what I expect them to do.

      If Reyes was not worth signing after winning a Batting title then how much will they be willing to pay Wright who hit only .254 with 14 Hrs and now the threat of chronic back issues because once you injure your back the chances it will bother you again is roughly 60/40!

      The other option I noted (Trading Ike) is most definitly not what I would call a good idea but you have to admit it still isn’t out of the realm of possibility with this front office!
      • Des December 21, 2011 at 9:19 am

        Metsie — I find it interesting that the Mets, who have mediocrity at most of their positions, either defensively, offensively, or both, have a number of teams interested in their players. Yet the one guy I never hear trade rumors on is our default shortstop.

        Why doesn’t any team want Rubin Tejada? Apparently he is not setting the front offices on fire with desire anywhere. Why? Too high an asking price? I doubt it. Too high a salary? Definitely not. Not under team control? No. Why then? What does it really say about him?
        • Metsie December 21, 2011 at 11:08 am

          LOL Des well look at the interest in Reyes for clues to your answer.
          Most teams like a good fielder at SS and very few actually have offensive threats playing there.

          Tejada is not a GREAT fielder (he is competent though and at least a REAL Middle IF) and since his Batting is his weak spot they just as soon stick with what they got!

          Now if Tejada starts hitting that perception of him might change.
          The kid made the MLB at age 20 which is a good sign if you don’t realize WHY he came up that early and that it had less to do with him that it did what we had on the Roster at the time to play 2B.

          He increased his BA to .284 and his OBP by .055 (OPS by more than .100) and if he continues that trend or maintains it this year he will then be a more desirable prospect to someone.

          His real problems are vs Lefties which may suggest he is a platoon player at best.
          But two years of data is hardly enough to say thats all he is.
          Especially at his age!
          If he continues to improve then Tejada could have a very long and productive career as a SS.
          And then teams will talk about trading for him more.
          • Des December 21, 2011 at 2:02 pm

            Metsie — if pigs could fly….

            He can’t run fast, he can’t steal bases, he can’t hit for power at all, he’s got a ‘longish’ swing, and he isn’t a good baserunner. Other than these limitations, he’s a great player. His range is pretty good but he and Reyes were judged to be one of MLB’s worst double play combinations. His fielding percentage puts him between the bottom and middle of MLB middle IF guys. To me, he is an earnest kid but his ceiling is that of a mediocre player. At bat, he’s improved quite a bit, but his low starting point gives him an advantage. He needs a full complement of hitters around him to make things happen. So do we get seven other players, or do we get an all-around middle infielder?
            • Metsie December 21, 2011 at 4:18 pm

              Well dude Why do you think I was so opposed to letting Reyes go?

              But that said the kid is only 21 and with some experience he could learn how to do some of those things. I know Jessup thinks that life starts downhill the second you hit your 21st birthday but the truth is Experience counts!

              It’s still too early to say he is useless especially if he is hitting .284 against MLB pitching at age 21!

              He could in time become a .300+ hitter which would change the complextion on your opinion just a bit wouldn’t it?

              As for the DP combo thats what happens when you play a SS at 2B!
          • t agee December 21, 2011 at 2:22 pm

            It’s way too early to draw the conclusion that Tejada has “trouble against lefty’s” In 2010 he hit LHP much better up here. Almost .300 while hitting a total of .188 against RHP.

            Usually RH hitters don’t have huge platoon splits so it’s hard to be so sure that Tejada will, especially after only 1 full season’s worth of games.
            • Metsie December 21, 2011 at 4:23 pm

              I don’t know what numbers your looking at but his splits for 2011 have him hitting .266 vs Lefties and .289 vs Righties.
              Now that would be different than his career where he actually hit Lefties at a .278 clip and righties at a .248 clip.

              I’m not saying he is a definite platoon candidate but he needs to hit both the same or they will think about a platoon with guys like Valdespin and Flores in the Wings.
          • Chris December 22, 2011 at 12:32 am

            um, what? Tejada’s real problems are vs. lefties?

            maybe you should check that again. he’s hit 30 points higher against lefties so far.
            • Chris December 22, 2011 at 12:35 am

              you can’t say he’s gonna be a platoon player because he hit 20 points lower against one arm one year. in his second year, at that. and he didn’t even hit poorly against them. .266 is pretty good for a 21 year old. you’re funny Metsie.
• any December 19, 2011 at 7:53 pm

  very likely his part of the future is the player he brings back. If he can be converted nw into a legit CF or C, then it makes sense to do.
• Joey D. December 19, 2011 at 10:52 pm

  I happen to be a big fan of Daniel’s and because of his misadventures in the field and on the base paths affectionately refer to him as “Marvelous Murph” in tribute to my first Met hero (shows my age).

  But I agree, the two biggest obstacles facing Murph are the glove and knees. After two injuries who knows how strong his knees are? His glove has shown signs of improvement but he still has to prove it is not a hazard in such a vital position covering the keystone base. But I also think part of the problem was inexperience and the pressure to prove he belonged on the team. Perhaps if he’s a bit more relaxed next season his glove will fit in. He’s already proved to be a good hitter who comes through in the clutch.

  If his defense does not improve at second enough to secure the job, I agree his future rests entirely on what happens to Wright. Though I don’t agree that he shouldn’t have at least tried in some earnest way to retain Reyes, Sandy at least had a back up plan in a still unproven yet promising Tejada. The same is true with the Marvelous One with third base being his natural position. That’s why I don’t see him being traded right away.
• Brandon Butler December 19, 2011 at 11:15 pm

  I hate to say this guys, but I personally agree with Joe here.

  The reason why I am saying this is because we’ve given him too many chances to prove himself as a versatile player. He is a great offensive player, he truly is. Its just that his defense and his inability to stay healthy are the reasons why I think that he should not be apart of the teams “re-building” or whatever the hell the Wilpons call it.
  • Bayonne Mets Fan December 19, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    He’s also brainless on the basepaths and his baseball instincts are bad. He’s had his moments but he’s a numbskull
    • Des December 20, 2011 at 9:13 am

      The contribution of the guy who hates everything not named Tejada. lol
    • Des December 21, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Are you saying he’s dumber than the man with the golden feet but with occasional lead above his shoulders?

      Check this out:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CigVUX_A8SU

      And this:
      http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/Reyes-gets-3-hits-but-blunder-on-bases-costs-Mets-2190335.php
• Mr North Jersey December 19, 2011 at 11:24 pm

  Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters accept bid for negotiating rights to Darvish. Texas Rangers win rights.
  • Mr North Jersey December 19, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4876722/rangers-post-high-bid-for-yu-darvish
    • Mr North Jersey December 19, 2011 at 11:28 pm

      Jon Morosi
      Source confirms #Rangers bid was indeed $51.7M, as @JeffPassan reported.

      http://twitter.com/#!/jonmorosi/statuses/148982059644366848

      Now will they sign him and for what amount?
      • trs86 December 20, 2011 at 9:33 am

        Here’s my question, is this a completely closed bid or do teams have the option of upping their bid? If not then how might a team come up with “Lets bid 51.7M dollars, that should do it”.
        • Metsie December 20, 2011 at 10:07 am

          Nope you get one bid and thats it.
          • trs86 December 20, 2011 at 10:12 am

            That’s what I thought too, so how does a team come up with that type of bid? Why not 51.53? LOL.
            • XtreemIcon December 20, 2011 at 10:20 am

              It does seem a bit arbitrary, but my guess is it goes something like this:

              No Japanese starter has ever really established themselves in MLB. Nomo had a few really good years, but nothing great. But Darvish has much better numbers and a higher ceiling than Dice K. So on one hand, he should cost the team more than Dice-K cost for the Lions, on the other hand, let’s not go crazy on a Japanese starter. So somewhere in the neighborhood of $52mil.

              Remember, Dice-K’s fee was $51,111,111.11. Got that? Eleven cents. So these fees are entirely arbitrary and seemingly with no rhyme or reason. Your $51.53 is just as plausible.
            • Metsie December 20, 2011 at 10:26 am

              Same way it happens on Ebay! LOL!
              If you think someone will bid 51 Mil you bid 51.5 If you think someone will bid 51.5 you bid 51.52.

              In every bid situation it is always better to make your bid just a slight bit more than the even number. $6 instead of $5, $12 instead of $10
              In this case what you bid doesn’t matter because if you don’t actually sign him you get all your money back!

              Which is why it is quite possible that Toronto made the big bid for no other reason than to stop someone else from signing him.
              • trs86 December 20, 2011 at 10:31 am

                I understand but on EBay you most of the time get to continue to bid until you have the highest bid. I just think it seems odd that they would pick that. I wonder if it is more strategy or random luck.
                • Metsie December 20, 2011 at 10:38 am

                  Well actually on Ebay if you look the winning bid is usually made in the last 15-20 seconds (called sniping) because someone did that and the person who tried to win it back went up by even numbers and lost it by a dollar!

                  Most people will bid using even numbers. By making it just a bit more than the even you ensure you beat out anyone who thinks he is worth what you think he is worth.
                  • jessep December 20, 2011 at 10:50 am

                    You probably get to a 51.7 number based on knowing he had to get more than Dice K’s 51.1, and then playing safe. “What is the most we can afford to hand over,” plus then looking over the competition. I don’t think Toronto was bidding to block, I think they wanted him. They have $ to spend.

                    What I am most surprised at is the fact the Yanks didn’t go over that. That’s why I thought $55 was a safe bet because it would likely separate them from the rest of the teams but not go too high over the record.
                  • jessep December 20, 2011 at 11:06 am

                    Well Boston likely felt burned by Dice K. That has to play into it. Nobody has seen a pitchers transition to todays MLB more than Boston really. Plus they aren’t in desperate need of an arm. Do they need one? Yes, but NYY should have been desperate
                  • trs86 December 20, 2011 at 10:41 am

                    Oh I understand that… but do you think they were sitting there saying “I think someone might bid 51.6M so we better go 51.7″?
                  • Metsie December 20, 2011 at 10:53 am

                    Actually TRS yes I do think they thought like that!

                    Especially if you know the trick about even numbers you make a bid that would add another 100K just to be sure you beat those teams who also think someone will bid 51.5

                    When your talking 50 Mil another 100K isn’t all that much more. But it couldbe the difference in the bidding.
                  • trs86 December 20, 2011 at 10:56 am

                    I get what you are saying but I think it’s a little bit of both just as Dice K’s was 51,111, 111.11. I think they wanted to go over 51.5M and decided that 51.7 sounded good. Unless they knew about what the other team had posted.
                  • Metsie December 20, 2011 at 11:01 am

                    Toronto has money to spend because they refuse to spend big bucks on a player…
                    Texas will likely try to sign him as they need more pitching and yes I too am surprised the Yanks didn’t make a higher offer to block him but then again the Yanks were very wary of Darvish and probably feel whoever gets him is going to lose big!

                    Where my biggest surprise came was from Boston not being more aggressive considering Bobby V’s ability to really get through to this kid!
                    He is probably the best manager to help a Japanese player transition to MLB.

                    I thought they would be much more agressive!
                • Mr North Jersey December 20, 2011 at 11:12 am

                  Ebay? Come on guys, your ignoring the Real story here. Now that Texas won the Darvish bid it means the Toronto, Oakland, New York 3-way trade speculation is back on.

                  Oh goodie!
                  • trs86 December 20, 2011 at 11:13 am

                    Very true.
• Lifelongmetsfan December 19, 2011 at 11:44 pm

  I don’t see what the argument is. For me it’s a two part question.
  If you think Murphy is a perennial Top 10 league hitter you keep him. If you don’t thin Murphy is a perennial Top 10 league hitter you trade him.
  If you do think Murphy is a perennial Top 10 hitter then you need to decide where to play him.
  On a national league team I think Murphy is the least exposed at 3rd base. So that means Murphy becomes the Mets 3rd baseman and David Wright moves to the OF.
  Why wouldn’t we want a lineup of
  Cf Andres Torres
  2b Reese Havens
  3b Daniel Murphy
  1b Ike Davis
  rf David Wright
  Lf Jason Bay
  C Josh Thole
  ss Ruben Tejada
  P
  Realistically Murphy isn’t that much of a defensive let down at 3rd over David Wright and David Wright couldn’t be any worse than Lucas Duda in rf

  Lets look at the other lineup:
  cf Andres Tores
  2b Justin Turner/Reese havens
  3b David Wright
  1b Ike Davis
  Lf Jason Bay
  rf Lucas Duda
  c Josh Thole
  ss Ruben Tajeda

  It’s not even comparable. Te 1st lineup is formidable, not the Big Red machine by any means but if Murphy hits, Davis blossoms and Bay wakes up its a very good lineup! Why wouldn’t we want that?

  P
  • Joseph December 19, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    True, good assessment. That first lineup looks much better with Murphy than without him.
  • Des December 20, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Lifelong — Does Wright have the arm needed for rightfield? He cut down on some of his throwing problems by lowering his arm slot. That won’t cut it in rightfield.
    • USMF December 20, 2011 at 10:31 am

      Here’s the one thing that gets missed about 3rd base…the throw to 3rd to 1st is at least about 128ft, plus you have to make that throw quickly and accurate. The throws from the OF are longer, but an OF’er has the ability to set and/or make a crow hop and usually the throws don’t have to be dead on.

      I still play baseball (not Softball)…I usually pitch, play 1st or in the OF…I have pretty strong are, but not the most accurate. I tend to warm up my arm by throwing the ball from one OF corner position to another, and I do it fine and I don’t kill my arm doing it. Last year, I had to play 3rd (in an emergency) and I’ll say that making the throws to 1st was a lot harder than I expected and my arm got sore very quickly.

      I point is, I think that the idea that Wright can’t transition to the OF because of the throws is inaccurate. I would rather see Wright move to CF and keep Duda and Bays Bat in the Line up…Andres Tores is our lead off hitter? Really?
  • Donal December 20, 2011 at 9:20 am

    I don’t think you realize how bad Murphy is at 3B.
    • jessep December 20, 2011 at 9:38 am

      I do think a lot of people unfairly assume that Murphy can be some great fielding 3B. Look, I like him a lot but he is a prototypical utility infielder/ AL Player.

      You can’t just say because you dislike Wright that Murph is a better 3B than him. Wright first of all is much, much quicker than Murph which gives him an edge at 3B that you can’t measure really.

      And I’m sorry but in the reality of the sport, you’re not moving a 5 time all-star, 2 time gold glove winner away from his natural position for a guy who hasn’t played the position basically since AA in 2008.
  • NJstuckinTX December 20, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Considering Bay will never be allowed to have his option vest, your LF should show Bay/Duda.

    On a side note, I can’t imagine what those throw to home from RF will look like (or where they will land) with Wright out there…
  • any December 20, 2011 at 9:39 am

    I don’t agree that your 1st lineup is better. You replaced Duda with Murphy.

    Just looking at offense, I think you downgraded. Other than BA, duda out performed Murphy, and has vastly more power potential.

    If you want to quibble about them, fine, but to say that making that switch takes a line up from weak to strong doesn’t make sense to me.
    • NJstuckinTX December 20, 2011 at 9:54 am

      Would changing out Duda for Bay make you feel warm and toasty?
• Joseph December 19, 2011 at 11:46 pm

  I agree that Murphy is not the best long-term solution at second base, but I do believe that he is the best short-term solution. Unless Reese Havens or Valdespin are ready for second base come spring training you have to go with Murphy. The best scenario is for Murphy to play an average second base while tearing the cover off the ball. If Havens or Valdespin prove to be ready for the big show than Murphy can be dealt at the trade deadline or next winter when his value would be much higher. Again this would be the ideal situation and what I believe Alderson to be hoping for.
• markcomic1 December 20, 2011 at 2:33 am

  You know who D Murph is? Edgar Martinez former seattle mariners dh. With less power. He is a good to above average bat with some pop. No glove all stick = dh…
• trs86 December 20, 2011 at 8:37 am

  Wow, I wonder if this is just more beat fodder?
  “Puma says the Mets are hoping an American League team shows interest in Martinez but it’s possible they could release him if they cannot work out a trade.”

  I would say how the mighty have fallen but you would have to have once been mighty.
  • Donal December 20, 2011 at 9:20 am

    I doubt they would have put him on the 40 man roster when they had some tough decisions to make regarding the Rule 5 draft if they were just going to release him. They are going to give him at least one mroe chance.

    I’m with t agee and I forget who else has advocated this: If Bay gets off to another slow start, platoon with Martinez and if that still doesn’t work, then you move on from Martinez (and hopefully Bay).
    • any December 20, 2011 at 9:41 am

      I have been advocating bay needing to platoon for a while. And if F mart can show enough in ST to make it worthwhile, might as well be him.

      He does have some old man knees, but it isn’t like he is a cripple here (not in Andre Dawson territory yet!). Work with the trainers, ice, Motrin, etc. May always be creaky, but you can manage that through the season.
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• nathan December 21, 2011 at 2:44 pm

  I am unsure how bad Murph is at third. I have seen him play there but with all the hoping around he hasn’t really had a chance to settle in a refine his craft. I do believe Wright will be moved and Murph will be the every day third baseman. He will not fill the hole left by Wright being gone but he will be passable.