Mets Spring Training Question 14: Second Base
With 14 days — yup, just two weeks — before pitchers and Molinas report, we examine question #14 that needs to be answered during Mets spring training: who is going to play second base?
By all accounts, it appears that the Mets will begin spring training with the plan of Daniel Murphy at second base. We’ve discussEd Murphy and 2B here many times before, and even if you are of the belief that he can play the position adequately, there is still the risk of him hurting himself yet again.
If you’re like me and not convinced that second base is the best place for Murphy, then an audition could open up for Justin Turner, Ronny Cedeno, Jordany Valdespin, Reese Havens, and Josh Satin. Yes, Satin can play second base — perhaps, better than Murphy, though that’s not saying much, is it?
From that group, I like Turner — just as I did this time last year. Ask me in five months and my answer might be Havens, but right now, I think Havens needs more seasoning. As for Valdespin, he appears to have the most raw talent of anyone, but there are still questions about his attitude.
As for Murphy, it’s his job to lose. And that is the question: will Murphy prove to be either so inadequate or so dangerous to himself at second base that he won’t be there on Opening Day? My guess is no — mainly because spring training rarely offers enough of a sample size that can be trusted, and there’s a good chance that Murphy makes it through six weeks without breaking something, while the people in charge see what they want to see.
What say you? Do you think there’s any chance of Murphy NOT proving himself to be the starting second baseman in spring training? If by chance he’s not the Opening Day starter, who do you see usurping him? Answer in the comments.
About the Author
Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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Turner is a good bench player and back up, but should not be starting.
What questions? Or does anybody know?
From what I read (again, I can’t recall which blog or blogs I read it on) Beltran told him about all the guys he’s met over the years with Valdespin’s level of talent that are washing dishes somewhere because they couldn’t get their act together. Supposedly Valdespin responded after that happened. We can only hope he didn’t forget all the sage advice during the offseason.
Turner and Cedeno’s playing time needs to be limited, so I see Havens getting a fair shot if Murphy or Wright or Davis go on the DL. Rather see him starting than to play Turner too much.
Trust me as a Cub fan.
You have a logjam again at 2B but this time it’s a more pleasant problem with Murphy having hit .320 in the majors, Satin and Turner doing it in the minors, Valdespin having a monster year last year in AA/AAA and Havens allegedly a doubles machine.
However, if that bad thumb was killing his power, then maybe he can do better and deserves a real shot.
That said, I like Murphy’s bat and don’t know where else to put it.