The LTJ Editorial: “Don't underestimate Murphy; put him at first”

“The LTJ Editorial”
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 11-1-13
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com

“Don't underestimate Murphy; put him at first”

 

For the past few years, the New York Mets haven't had a permanent nor consistent playmaker at first base. We saw a glimpse of hope back in 2010 when First Baseman Ike Davis was called up to the majors and made a serious impact on the team. Right before the 2010 All-Star Game, he had the second most HR's of any rookie in team history with 11. I specifically remember his defense was on point, he was patient with every at-bat, and he came through in clutch situations. Sadly, the following year in 2011, he was hit with a severe ankle injury and hasn't been the same since. Sure, in 2012 he hit a decent .227 with 32 HR's but in 2013 he was at his worst. It was so bad, I don't even want to mention his stat line since it was a definite decline from years past. Davis was demoted to AAA and had to earn his way back up to the majors. What happened? My theory is it's all in his head. He seems to lack the confidence that he can be a solid and consistent player. If he just focused on making the right choices in key situations he would be fine but he always looked lost and confused. He didn't stick to his original batting stance and changed it up almost every few games. Even Keith Hernandez questioned who, what, where, and why did his batting stance have no consistency. Davis's defense was atrocious and all across the media, people were demanding change. That change came by way of First Baseman Josh Satin.

Satin was called up to replace Davis, much to the cheers of Mets fans across the nation to bring some kind of redemption out of first base. He was someone who was doing good in AAA and earned an opportunity to help contribute to the team in the majors. He definitely impressed, he was getting his hits, played pretty good defense, and also made a Mets rookie record! He had a streak going on 29 consecutive games he started in which he at least got on base until it ended. Once the streak ended (Ironically once Davis was recalled up to the majors and got his starting spot back almost immediately) he started to struggle a bit. Satin lost that streak he had when he first arrived and just became another name at first base where he faded away. The Mets played the new game of shuffling first basemen based on who was pitching since once excelled over the other based on righties versus lefties. I've always said that while Satin did provide a spark at first base, he was better as a quality backup or used as a pinch hitter. Perhaps he needs more time in the minors, I just don't see the superstar potential of him just yet.

As we all know, the Mets plan to spend some serious money this offseason to start building the necessary pieces to contend for a championship in the next few years. 2014 seems to be the year but it could be 2015 or beyond, who knows. It's not going to happen overnight, but the plan is to bring in some much needed top talent to compliment the pieces we already have. One interesting scenario has been the possibility of trading away more talent to get either pieces we need now or future draft picks. The most common name has been Second Baseman Daniel Murphy. He had a pretty solid season for the Mets with a stat line of .286, 188 hits, 38 doubles, 4 triples, and 13 HR's. With a solid .319 OBP he definitely was a consistent player. Many suggest that the Mets could ship Murphy to a team that desperately needs an established second baseman and acquire some minor league talent for pitching, relief pitching, and the outfield. I don't think the Mets should trade him at all, he has been an asset to the team and continues to improve steadily. I actually thought about a scenario that would fix our issues at first base and allow some other popular players a chance to be on the field instead of being just hidden away as depth.

In my mind, this is how I envision our infield according to my scenario:

First Base: Daniel Murphy
Second Base: Wilmer Flores
Third Base: David Wright
Shortstop: (acquire top talent in offseason)
Catcher: Travis d'Arnaud

I'd move Daniel Murphy to first base since he can definitely handle it and be a fixture there. Wilmer Flores has shown signs of being the next big thing in New York, similar to when we all saw the debut and eventual development of Starting Pitcher Matt Harvey. It would be a shame to just have Flores and his talent be wasted waiting behind David Wright who unless he gets injured, will be playing third base the majority of the time. Speaking of Wright, he isn't going anywhere, he will always be our all-star third baseman. Shortstop is a weak link in our infield, Quintanilla did an sub par job last season and I don't see Tejada being a permanent starter. He just gets into a slump and never seems to bounce back in a positive way. That's why the Mets absolutely need to acquire a solid top talent shortstop in the offseason. Rumors have circulated we could have a reunion with Jose Reyes but I doubt it, plus he is another player who always gets injured and isn't consistent. Throw in the fact that he's coming in towards the latter half of his career. I'd like someone like Jhonny Peralta or even Stephen Drew to be honest. Someone who can hit, be good defensively, and steal some bases! Finally, I think d'Arnaud will turn into a solid catcher but will need another year or so to keep at it. Experience behind the plate will only help his progression. He should be our permanent main catcher for these next few years.

Murphy at first base would finally put an end to the slumps there, blunders on defense, and bring more of a successful presence there. I don't want to see him go since we absolutely need him to keep building around our core. So far it's shaping up nicely, like I said, just an idea I think would work while we bring in a quality shortstop, one starting pitcher, a few outfielders, and of course, a relief pitcher or two. Let us all see what the Mets have in store for us, bidding wars for the top free agents in MLB starts this coming Tuesday, November 5^th, 2013.

Let the races begin! Before you hit the gate, trust me, leave Murphy at first base, he's got this!