This will put Murphy in the lineup on average once a week, with an extended stay if someone goes down with an injury. His pinch-hitting skills will make him my best contact hitter off the bench, so he'll be used almost nightly in that roll as well. All in all, I feel this is the best way to maximise this guy's ability for this season, and next year he can assume the starting role at first base.
Priority Number Eight: Round out the bench. The bench players are what saved the season for the Amazin's in 2008. Where would this team have been without Fernando Tatis, and Damion Easley? Endy Chavez comes back as our defensive outfielder, so we have Chavez and Murphy so far coming off the bench.
The Moves: Resign Tatis and Easley. Now. As general manager I like versatility coming off the bench, and these two are two are of the best when it comes to the number of different things they can do.
Since I have Murphy backing up at second base, Easley can backup at every infield position if need be. Tatis can provide me with power off the bench, and he can also play both corner outfield spots. By having such versatility off the bench, we can carry one less bench player, and carry an extra arm for the bullpen, something we may need if the rookies stumble.
Priority Number Nine: Solidify First Base. This is the easiest move we make this winter. I've made my "Statement Move" of the winter by getting Manny, I've sured up closer and second base, found a role for Murphy, and worked some magic getting this team a bullpen that can hold leads of under five runs.
We're not going after Mark Texiera. With Murphy coming along and eventually assuming the position in 2010, Texiera just doesn't make sense for us at this point. While he's a great defender and just as good at the dish, he's going to command $20 million a year over 7 years, at least. We already have two hundred-million dollar players in Johan Santana and Carlos Beltran, so right now it's not financially responsible to go after a player who will command another 150 million.
The Move: Pick up Carlos Delgado's 2009 option. Once thought to be legally dead at the beginning of the season, Delgado's resurrection makes him the no-brainer. The option is worth $12 million, or about half of what Texiera will make next year.
He'll be going for a new contract this year, something you can't completely discount in a situation like this. He's also going to be shooting for 500 career home runs, but needs another great year to get there. With Varitek now assuming a leadership role, the voice of the clubhouse has changed, so Delgado doesn't have to be as much of an outspoken figure in the locker room. The move makes sense any way you slice it.
Priority Number Ten: Assure our cornerstones, and our fans, that they're not going anywhere. All these trade rumors about Mr. Reyes, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Beltran need to be stopped. Not only are they ludicrous, but the have to be affecting these guys. I know it would effect me to hear any time I got in my car how I might be/should be traded this off-season.
Are we really going to trade one of two guys who are multiple-time All-Stars at 25 years of age? Are we really going to trade a Gold-Glove, All-Star centerfielder who is only 31 and still in his prime? We'd have to be out of our minds.
The Move: Tell Anyone who will listen that these three players aren't going anywhere, and they will be part of this Mets team when we win a championship.
By doing this, it gives these guys the confidence to not listen to the rumors, and to know we're behind them. They are the cornerstones of this team, and a little reassurance never hurt anybody. This will help ease their minds, and prepare for the coming season.
So there you have it boys and girls. That's what I'd do if I were the general manager of the Amazin' Mets.
Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment and tell me what you think.
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