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There are a lot of things you can say about Daniel Murphy, but the one thing you can’t say is that he hasn’t put 100% into baseball.
He’s played left field, second base, first base, and third base for the Mets. Naturally, he’s a third baseman. He learned left to get a spot, and platooned there with Nick Evans in 2009. Following that season, the Mets signed Jason Bay to play left field. Murphy was going to play first base for the 2010 season, but was sidelined with an injury at the beginning of the season. Mike Jacobs played so poorly that they brought Ike Davis up. Murphy, knowing that since Ike was ready, he was going to be the first baseman, started learning second so that he could be of some use to the team. On a takeout slide while playing second base in a rehab start, Murph was injured and shut down to the season. Fast forward to spring training 2011. Murphy put up a valiant battle and won a spot on the roster to platoon at second base - first with Brad Emaus, now with Justin Turner. With the injuries to both Wright and Davis, Murph has been playing first base, and now third as well. Those injuries brought up Ruben Tejada, who played second base (and is filling in at short stop while Reyes is in the Dominican Republic). It seems like Murphy can never catch a break with this team. Tejada may be in the second base mix now, although attractive his stellar defense is offset by his lack of offense. Turner has been kicking butt, getting RBIs left and right. And then there’s Murphy, silently doing all he can to help his team in his own way - maybe not as flashy as the other two, but there just the same.
There are a lot of things you can say about Daniel Murphy. That he was a sucky outfielder, sure. That he’s great off the bench in clutch situations, absolutely. But no one can ever claim that Daniel Murphy has gone out there and given anything less than his all.
I have nothing but respect for the Irish Hammer.
Dear Daniel Murphy,
Unfortunately, we needed to end this. You’re incredibly hot and have lovely hair, but I can’t deal with you emotionally destroying me everyday anymore. This is an abusive relationship and I won’t stand it any longer. You had a horrible spring training, you got hurt, but give me a ring in October and we’ll see if we can give this another go. I’m sorry. There’s a new first baseman in town… and his name is not Mark Teixeira. I still like how you look in your pastel polo shirts.
Love, Stephanie
Had Daniel Murphy stayed healthy for one more week, he would have been the Mets’ Opening Day first baseman. Now, he’s bound for Buffalo.
Unless Ike Davis is injured or struggles mightily over the next few weeks, the Mets plan to send Murphy to Triple-A when he recovers from a right knee sprain, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking.
It’s obvious that Davis, 23, is the Mets’ first baseman of the present and future. But it had been unclear whether Murphy would end up in Buffalo or on the Mets’ bench.
The Mets plan to send Murphy, 24, to Buffalo for two reasons. From an offensive standpoint, they think it would be better for his development to get regular at-bats, which isn’t likely to happen in the majors. And defensively, the Mets want Murphy to play multiple positions, including first base, second base and left field.
Part of the thinking is that greater defensive versatility would increase his trade value, but it would also make him more valuable to the organization if he isn’t traded.
Murphy sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in a spring training game on March 30. He played five innings in an extended spring game Friday, his first game action since the injury. And he would play in minor-league rehab games even if he were on track to return to the majors. But when Murphy arrives in Buffalo, it will be more than just a rehab stint.
At least that’s what the Mets are thinking right now. And with Davis playing well defensively and hitting .324 through Friday, that doesn’t seem likely to change.
I saw this coming, and I do love Ike… but I’ll still miss Murphy!
Murphy lovers: you can officially freak out.
Well, it looks like the Dan Murphy era has ended. He’s been my favorite player for the last two seasons, despite his ups and downs. I’ve always been a fan of homegrown players so I’m glad that it’s Ike Davis taking his place. With that said, I’m going to Citi Field in a few minutes for the Mets/Cubs game tonight. Ike Davis, make me proud!
Cartoon courtesy of OhMurph.com
