Way back on Oct. 6, 2008, I wrote an article about Daniel Murphy’s future with the organization. At that time, the Mets had plans for Murphy to see time at second base.
When he entered the Arizona Fall League, he was listed as a first baseman, and that’s where I had him playing in the future.
From Oct. 6:
He's tall, big, with a great reach. He's got the bat to back him up too. He hits for average, but can also hit for power. He was touted as the best hitter in the Mets minor leagues, and showed his prowess at the plate in his first major league season.
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Still, I'd like to see Murphy at first after this season, or maybe even before this season if they can move Carlos Delgado.
After seeing more AB’s from Murphy, I think the Mets needed a bigger bat at first. He has an bat that hits for average but not so much power. He does not fit the mold of a first baseman the way teams are built nowadays.
Today, David Lennon wrote an article about this very subject.
Of all infield the positions, Murphy said that second base is probably the most difficult for him to pick up at this stage. Getting comfortable around the bag on double plays is a long process for someone not schooled as a middle infielder. Even good shortstops can be skittish about it; just ask Jose Reyes about his ill-fated experiment.
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"I'll play anywhere," Murphy said. "Whatever they want me to do."
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Minaya already anticipates that Murphy will get some infield work during the fall and winter leagues. Where he eventually winds up is anyone's guess. Delgado, who turns 37 in June, said Thursday that he intends to keep playing after this season but it's unlikely the Mets would bite on that in a non-DH league, regardless of his final numbers.
So first base might be the best option for Murphy in the coming years.
That, or shift David Wright to first base and slot in Murphy at third, his natural position. A very drastic move, I know, but something that might be discussed.
What would you do with Daniel Murphy?
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