What kind of season will Daniel Murphy have? Read a season preview and provide your own projection.
With Ike Davis and Lucas Duda on the shelf with injuries, I can't help but think Daniel Murphy will spend some time at first base this season. It would also open up playing time for apparent Terry Collins favorite Eric Young, Jr. and man-without-a-position Wilmer Flores. This wouldn't be a complete debacle for a team that probably won't contend, but it wouldn't be desirable. Murphy's bat does not play nearly as well at first base as it does at second base, and his backups at second base are underwhelming. What's more, Murphy worked pretty hard learning to play second base, admittedly a position at which he is below-average defensively, albeit not Duda-esque. Just leave the guy be. Here's hoping Davis or Duda get healthy, get their act together, and stop a potential Murph move back to first base.
I feel confident declaring Murphy a thoroughly average baseball player, based on the roughly four full seasons' worth of plate appearances he's logged during his career. And that's just fine; the Mets could use more average players. However, he's not being paid the league minimum any longer. His surplus value decreases with every passing year. He'll make $5.7 million this season, and will only get more expensive. Combined with the fact that he doesn't draw many walks, and thus isn't the front office's ideal type of hitter, I doubt Murphy is here for the long-term. Enjoy him while he's around.
I'll predict Murphy's career slash line for 2014. I did the same for last season and it came pretty close. I'll also bet that he's not traded during the season. Post your Murphy projection in the comments in the same format as below. I'll compare our projections to actual results at season's end.
Daniel Murphy
PA: 610
HR: 11
AVG: .290
OBP: .333
SLG: .424