Worried about Bay. Keith (or Kevin, forgot which) pointed out how more open with his stance Jason was but Ralph was quick to point out he wasn’t pushing down on his front foot hard enough for the power and that he still looked lost at the plate. Ah, to listen to a great baseball mind talking about baseball.

Keith also mentioned that while it’s still only spring training, it’s at this stage that players want to feel they are into the comfort zone hey want to be come opening day. He thought Terry made a good move bringing in Ramirez with runners on base but that was a case in point.

Doesn’t bother me that Murphy is still learning the position as long as we see him improving and gaining confidence at the same time. As long as he knows not to put himself in front of an opponent’s spikes. Also we must recall he was injured most of 2010 so he really does not have two full years behind him learning second. Add to the fact that last year he was still fighting to stay on the 25 man roster, not less prove he could play the position. This year, with the pressure off, and more experience and confidence with his glove, we might have an improved second baseman. Let’s hope so.

I do think that all his mistakes are because he doesn’t know the position…He’s out of position (many times) on relays and he doesn’t know how to block the bag…and yes, he still picks the ball like a corner infielder…and his inexperience lead to him side shuffling and getting caught in the in-between which caused the error the other day…

but the dude has the physical skill and the desire…he has decent range (when taking the proper approach) and I like his arm…it’s not his fault that the Mets have never gave him a chance to learn any position…even last year, when Ike and Wright went down… they started moving guys around almost daily. They should have left Murph at 2nd all year and let him learn…it’s not like Sandy was worried about winning games last year.

Now we are in year three of “Muprh learning 2nd base” experiment.

But it doesn’t matter…the lack of depth in the rotation, the lack of a lead off hitter, our two power vet bats will probably combine to hit .260 with 20HR, 140RBI and 350K’s…plus, lack of any depth what so ever and a GM who only wants to cut spending…our week field 2nd basemen isn’t high on my list of concerns…

besides…either Wright of Murph will be gone before the start of next season so he’ll won’t be at 2nd much longer.

- I don’t get caught up when Murphy has a “good day” defensively because he’s only setting you up to be disappointed again. He will flub again and cost his team games with bonehead defensive plays. Still not sold, he’s not a second baseman he plays it exactly how he looks – as a guy learning it.

- Duda again struck out in a huge spot in the game in the 8th. This bears watching, I’m not down on him at all, he’s young & his career practically hasn’t even started yet and he can grow out of it. But I’ve said it before and I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who’s brought it up but as good as he can be it’s his propensity to tighten up in the game’s biggest spots that has to be watched closely. Hopefully as he gets more confident this will dissipate.

Bay still looks lost. I’ve got no faith come the regular season he’s going to be any better at the plate than he was last year.