According to sources, the Mets have discussed at least two scenarios that would make Eric Young the everyday second baseman in 2014.
Yesterday, after Mets COO Jeff Wilpon mentioned that David Wright, Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee and Jon Niese were the only set players on the team, I wondered why Daniel Murphy was left out of that group.
Today, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, sheds some light on that, speculating that it could mean one of two things for Murphy – either trading him or making him the first baseman. The latter is less likely, he writes, because Sandy Alderson is said to prefer power from first base.
Last month, I myself speculated that it could be the end for Murphy on the Mets as he will be rewarded with a huge raise in arbitration after a solid season in 2013. If they do trade him, I wonder how other teams would value him and what exactly the Mets hope to get back for him.
One rival evaluator told Martino that Murphy is viewed as a utility guy or a bat off the bench, while others say his bat justifies a regular spot in the lineup.
Could he be part of a bigger package for an elite power bat? Or will he go like all the other Mets hitters before him and get traded for a couple of minor league prospects?
The article also discusses the glut of first basemen for the Mets and opines on whether Ike Davis or Lucas Duda will be traded too.
