Sunday, February 22, 2009

Daniel Murphy handed left field job - No platoon

In a surprising move this early in spring Jerry Manuel has given the left field job to Daniel Murphy and will not have Fernando Tatis platooning with Murphy.

Manuel will instead have Murphy play left field and have Tatis sub for Church, and even give a day off to Wright at 3rd when needed.

Not sure why he feels to make this move already without even playing a game in spring training.
Tatis, who won comeback player of the year last year, had been slotted in to split time with Murphy in a lefty,right platoon.

"I don't want him to get into a strictly platoon situation," Manuel said of Murphy, who produced four hits in 10 at-bats off lefties last year. "I think he's a little better player than that. Also, with Church being left-handed, I kind of see Murphy being a better hitter right now."

Ryan Church is coming off an off season last year due to the concusions that limited his playing time.

1 comment:

metsfan73 said...

Great scoop. I don't necessarily mind the decision, but this makes the Mets even more lefty from the offensive side.

Strangely, I like the idea. Wright and Reyes need more days off this year, and with Tatis and Cora able to relieve the two spark=plugs, this might be a great move.

Nice job!