Daniel Murphy may be in the final stretch of his career with the Mets but if so, he’s going out with a bang. In his last nine games, he has a .385/.415/.641 line while bouncing all around the infield, even dusting off his first baseman’s mitt with the back injury that has slowed Lucas Duda here lately. We should have anticipated this hot streak, as Murphy was mired in a slump that had seen him drop 45 points of OPS in a month.
Murphy is typically a very consistent offensive performer, season to season. He’s been within 15 points of OPS in five of his six years in the majors, putting up numbers from .733 to this season’s .746, except for 2011, when he had an .809 OPS before suffering a year-ending injury. This season he’s taken it to another level. Prior to going on the disabled list with a strained quad, Murphy had a .749 OPS in 215 PA. Since being activated, Murphy has a .741 OPS in 156 PA.
Too many fans get blinded by the bonehead moves – my favorite is when he charged in from 2B on a sac bunt – and lose sight of his consistently strong offensive play. Since 2011, he has a higher OPS+ than more celebrated second sackers like Jose Altuve, Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips. If this is indeed Murphy’s last year in Queens, hopefully he’ll get to go out on a playoff team, where no doubt he will be the most boisterous person on the bench, leading the cheers from the top step of the bench.
DESPERATE MEASURES – The Mets recalled Anthony Recker, which is a bit of a surprise since he has a dismal .482 OPS this year. Allegedly, he’s been recalled to work with Bartolo Colon. Given that the Mets have lost eight of the last nine games Colon has started, there’s little doubt that they need to try … something. But those hoping for a big boost in performance with Recker behind the plate may be in for a bit of a shock.
Colon has a .717 OPS allowed and a 4.04 ERA when he’s caught by Recker. Compare that to the .638 OPS allowed and a 3.93 mark when Travis d’Arnaud is behind the plate for him. Kevin Plawecki was worse (.765, 4.46) and Johnny Monell was awful (1.029, 9.39). But maybe it doesn’t have anything to do with that. Perhaps Colon just wants in on Prince Spaghetti Night (Hey Anthony!) one more time.
DON’T CRY FOR ME – It’s every ballplayer’s dream to gain national exposure, yet not many would want it for weeping in the middle of a game. But we don’t get to pick our fate. Everyone knows the story of Wilmer Flores getting emotional because he thought he was going to suffer the indignity of being sent to Milwaukee. It didn’t happen and some are now crediting that moment as a turning point for the season. However naïve it may be to think that 24 guys making six figures or more are going to be moved by a co-worker’s tears to play better, it’s certainly possible for Flores himself to be motivated by the events.
Flores ripped a homer in an emotional game on 7/31, his first start since the near trade. But what’s been more impressive has been his play in August. In 10 games this month, Flores has a .772 OPS. It will be curious to see if he can maintain anything close to this pace going forward. Prior to the botched trade announcement, Flores had a .660 OPS. An offensive-first player with a .660 OPS is barely rosterable. A middle infielder with a .772 OPS is a huge plus. It should be noted that Flores has a .346 BABIP this month.
WHAT FATE AWAITS POOR HANSEL? – Middle relievers enjoy little job security and rookies with high ERAs are most vulnerable of all. If and when Erik Goeddel is ready to return to the majors, Hansel Robles might be the one cut to make room for him. Robles has shown both the good and bad since the All-Star break. In his last 10 games, Robles has held batters to a .188 AVG and he’s recorded 12 Ks in 9.1 IP. But in that same span, opponents have a .469 SLG, as five of his six hits allowed have gone for extra bases. He’s also walked four batters in this span.
WHAT A FORTNIGHT – The last two weeks have been a wonderful time to be a Mets fan. It hasn’t been too bad to be a Mets pitcher, either. Eight of the team’s 12 pitchers have a sub-2.00 ERA including five who haven’t allowed a run. Overall the team has a 2.46 ERA in the last 106 IP and a 0.953 WHIP. Matt Harvey leads the way with a 2-0 record, with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.4000 WHIP. In a surprise to no one, bringing up the rear is the team’s latest folly in the LOOGY gambit, who has a 15.43 ERA and a 2.143 WHIP.
Plawecki was sent down to get consistent ABs so Travis can start playing 5 or 6 games a week. Recker is here because he can sit for a week.
Aside from O’Flaherty first game with the team, he’s been reliable against the lefties. I’d have Verrett on the team over Robles right now, and when Goeddel is ready, well…who knows at this point. It might not be until Sept 1 anyway in which case the point is moot.
I firmly believe Flores should be in the starting lineup at 2b right now just about every game while he’s been hitting. Love moving Murphy around the field whether it’s as a straight platoon with Uribe, filling in for Duda at first, or playing 2b with Wilmer sliding to ss when Colon, or really anyone not named Niese are on the mound.
Phenomenal piece, Brian.
Thanks for the kind words!
Never thought I’s read the phrase “poor Hansel” in a sports blog. Murphy’s versatility makes him valuable. In spite of his stupid remarks earlier in the year I wish him well in free agency. He’s a hard-nosed player and a solid hitter. If Dilson becomes our second baseman next year and Wright is reasonably healthy, Flores can play that role going forward. For now, i root for Murph to get us some big hits down the stretch an hopefully in October.
Refresh my memory – what were the remarks?
Homophobic remarks.
At first I bought into the Recker/Colon connection but your further research has changed my mind. TDA should catch Colon if that is an issue and Plawecki should be on the major league roster experiencing a pennant race just like Conforto is. Plawecki should be on the playoff roster because he is the better player.
Next week, when Wright comes back, they should demote a pitcher and go with an 11 man staff. They will only need 11 pitchers for the playoffs and Matz not O’Flaherty should be on the roster on August 31st. On Sept 1st they can bring up as many pitchers as they need for September.
It has been a great fortnight.