Despite Weak Spring, Murphy's Ready To Go

In an article for the New York Post, Mike Puma credits Daniel Murphy's improved play in the field this spring, while questioning his abilities at the plate.  Puma points to Murphy's .162 average, and only two homers as a point of concern for the Mets, and wonders how long it will be until Ike Davis gets a call in Buffalo.

Despite the rough start in the spring at the plate Murphy isn't concerned saying, "These numbers don't go on the back of your baseball card -- this is to get ready for the season...Of course I would have liked to swung the bat better early, but I am starting to feel really good 1 ½ weeks before the season starts."  Murphy continued, "It's easier to feel good now than try to maintain it for an entire month, I think."  No argument here Murph.  I'd be fine with the entire team looking like crap during the spring if it meant a hot start to the season. 

The funniest part of this article to me, is the 180 we took from last year.  Last year the buzz out of spring training was how natural a hitter, Murphy was, and how hard he was working on his hitting.  This spring we're hearing all about how improved Murphy is in the field, working with Keith etc, and that his low power numbers are more of the Mets concern. 

True be told, I think we're realistically looking at something in between those two extremes.  Will Murphy win a gold glove?  Probably not.  Will he win a batting title or home run title?  Probably not.  But what he can be is a solid starter on a team who needs production out of people who aren't "stars."  And if he can maintain being a "solid" player, the Mets will most likely be in good shape this season...