2011 stats - .320 BA, 49 RBI, 49 R, 28 2B
For all intents and purposes, this is a make or break season for Daniel Murphy, no pun intended. For the last few seasons, Murphy has been known as a man with a stick but no position. The Mets experimented with a couple of different spots for Murphy, including left field, third, second, and first base. The inconsistency showed as Murphy has struggled at most of the positions, except for third base which is his natural position.
But of all the question marks defensively, the biggest concern for the Mets this season will be Murphy's health and him being able to stay on the field. In 2010's spring training, Murphy was taken out hard attempting to turn a double play and the knee injury cost him the entire season. A feeling of deja vu returned last season as Murphy was injured again, this time his other knee, and it cost him the last two months of the season.
With Rueben Tejada manning the position to his right, Murphy will enter 2012 as the everyday second baseman. The number one goal and agenda for the Mets this camp is to properly and effectively teach Murphy how to turn the double play. They can not possibly afford to have his bat miss time from the lineup due to injury.
Throughout most of last season, Murphy was one of the most clutch hitters for the Mets. He had a team high .320 batting average and was near the Top 10 in the league in doubles despite having less than 400 AB. Murphy is slotted to be the number two hitter in the lineup and has the chance to have a special season because he makes contact, puts the ball in play and does not strike out to often. Again, all Murphy needs to do is learn the double play and keep himself healthy.
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