FanPost

I would keep Daniel Murphy.



I know Murph is at best an about average defensive second baseman. And he needs to mature somewhat running the bases. But as far as I am concerned that is his only real glaring weakness, if you can call "about average" a glaring weakness.

But let's look at his strengths.
One, he hits. And on a team that doesn't have great or even mediocre offense, that is a big plus. Second, the guy is a great teammate from all I have read about him. Third, he plays well in NYC. Not everyone can do that. Fourth, he has a great work ethic. Fifth, he is still relatively young. Sixth, he came up in the organization. I know this last one may not be considered a benefit to some, but I like home grown guys.

I think the Mets are actually only a shortstop and outfielder away from being a bona fide playoff contender next year. I have generally been a proponent of patience and home grown talent coming up through the ranks,.and have not recently been a big advocate of Mets signing free agents. Their plan, as long and tortuous as it sometimes has been, is finally jelling and coming together. It'll be worth the wait. They should have a strong pitching staff, and bullpen next year. Remember Parnell is coming back too. They look to be set for the long term at catcher, first, and second base, if they hold onto Murphy. David Wright, despite a off year, is still a fine third baseman, not to mention a team leader. He'll probably be fine next year, as he rests over the winter, and fixes his kinks.

We have Granderson in the outfield, we could do better, but considering how this is his first year back after what happened last year, and that hitting is down all over the league, I believe he is at least suitable. And he is another quality guy on the team, which means something. If Largaes can improve his hitting somewhat, the Mets have a fine center fielder for some time. They should have a good above average bench, with the talent they have right now. So they need another quality outfielder, preferably one with a power type bat, some speed, and decent offense.

The Mets need to trade either for a shortstop, or outfielder, and then sign a top notch free agent shortstop or outfielder, whichever one they did not trade for. And they need to spend on Murphy, sign him for what his market demands. If they will make these moves, despite growing pains, they should have a good solid team next year. And a WS contender in the years to come.

I have not been a big fan of signing free agents, or trading pitching in the past. But is the time. The team is getting close, and the time for preaching patience is quickly coming to a end.

I hope they have the will, the fortitude, and the means to get this done this winter. It is a NY team, NY market. We're close, so its time to spend. I have been patient, and generally like what they have done the last 4 years, But I will be disappointed if they don't get at the very least a quality shortstop or outfielder. The time is here !!

This FanPost was contributed by a member of the community and was not subject to any vetting or approval process.