Mets should claim Matt Murton

The Colorado Rockies have put Matt Murton on irrevocable waivers in hopes that no one would claim him and he would head back to Triple-A. 

The Mets should claim him.  Now.

Murton, only 27, has some pretty awesome Triple-A numbers.  In 954 plate appearances with three different organizations, Murton has hit .312 / .388 / .469 with 19 home runs and 129 RBI.

At the major league level, Murton has performed well sans 2008.  In his longest season, 2006, Murton had 508 plate appearances with the Chicago Cubs.  He hit .297 / .365 / .444 with 13 home runs and 62 RBI.

Over the span of five seasons and 1051 plate appearances, Murton is hitting .287 / .353 / .438 with 29 home runs and 112 RBI.

He can play the corner outfield positions and would be a cheaper alternative to Jeff Francoeur next season.

Ken Davidoff summed it up the best:

I understand why the Mets and many fans like Jeff Francoeur. He has slugged very well since coming to Flushing, and he does have that positive body language that we all like. But to go to the $4-$5 million neighborhood with Francoeur for 2010 just isn't good payroll management, not when you look at his overall career.