Daniel Murphy’s college coach called him Joe Lunchpail; a blue collar guy who, for his age, “… knows as much about hitting as anybody out there,” said Terry Alexander, Jacksonville University Dolphins. “He wants to take it to a science.”
Murphy hit .317 during the month of May, including 10 doubles. He is second in the league in two-base hits. New York Post beat writer Mike Puma adds this impressive stat: Murphy had 12 two-out RBIs, ranking him first on the team. Unlike previous seasons, month-to-month, Murphy has been is playing like an All-Star; steady and consistent. This didn’t just happen overnight. Murphy has been “obsessed” with being a professional hitter since college. If he wants to take it a “science,” Murphy’s halfway to Einstein already.
In his Mets Confidential report in today’s Post, Puma states Murphy is the team’s Most Valuable Player for May. He wrote:
Daniel Murphy got rolling in the middle of the month and has emerged as the most dependable bat in this anemic Mets lineup. He is also the player the Mets want at the plate with the game on the line. Ideally, manager Terry Collins will keep Murphy in the No. 2 hole, but with Tejada on the disabled list there’s a chance Murphy will have to become the leadoff hitter for an extended period. Nobody had bigger hits than Murphy in the Mets’ four-game Subway Series sweep.
Do you agree?
Despite the Mets struggles in May, the team had a few bright spots which created some stiff competition in consideration for the monthly honor.
Bobby Parnell has stepped in and snatched the closer role. In May, he was 3-1 with seven saves (a perfect 7-for-7) and a 2.08 ERA. He has allowed eight hits in 13 innings pitched during the month. Opponents are hitting .182 against Parnell. When needed, he’s been almost flawless.
Let’s not forget Matt Harvey, who has caught the eye of every baseball fan. In 11 starts this season, Harvey is a perfect 5-0 with a skinny 1.85 ERA. he’s almost made Mets fans forget about Johan Santana, who is getting his share of press today while on the disabled list.
In May, Harvey is 1-0 with a 2.15 ERA in five starts, allowing just 26 hits in 37 2/3 innings pitched. He nearly threw a perfect game on May 7 against the Chicago White Sox, allowing one hit and striking out 12 — and didn’t get a win. Off the field he was the Sports Illustrated cover boy on May 14.
So, who is your Mets MVP for May? Daniel Murphy? Matt Harvey? Bobby Parnell? David Wright? Someone else? Cast your vote here.
