Yesterday was filled with almost a hilarious amount of conflicting reports regarding Daniel Murphy trade rumors. The rumor mill pretty much contradicted itself every time one rumor surfaced. Here’s the best I could do at collected the different Murphy trade rumors:
First, the natural fits for Murphy would be a team looking for a second basemen. This includes the Yankees, Orioles, Royals, Tigers and Dodgers among others.
Matt Cerrone reported over the weekend that Murphy could net a mid-rotation starter in trade. Cerrone was also speculating throughout the weekend that a larger piece could be acquired if the Mets could find a team looking for a Murphy/Davis/Prospect package.
November was when the whispers about trading Murphy started. On November 14th, sorted by Metsblog, Rosenthal reported that there is a possibility that the Mets might trade Murphy. Rubin confirmed this saying there was a preliminary discussion with some teams.
From the beginning of December, the Mets seemed to have several different ideas about who could play second base for the Mets. First it was reported that the Mets would not use Young Jr. at second, but then Alderson said he saw Young Jr. as more than a reserve player, which complicates things when currently the strongest position he has on the team is platoon with Chris Young. Young Jr. is the only option right now for lead off.
Then there was yesterday where the news went bonkers. News from various sources ranged from slating Tejada as a starter at SS to Tejada being part time 2B/SS. Ultimately, the Tejada saga is tied to the Murphy saga. An upgrade at short might cost Murphy, or allow the Mets to move Tejada to second to turn Murphy into another piece for the team. Anyway, Passan reported the Mets were trying hard to trade Murphy while Martino felt the Mets wouldn’t haven any takers. My favorite moment of the day was when Sherman reported, and twittered echoed, the Orioles had strong interest in Murphy but the Duquette, and twitter, responded that the interest was overstated.
Personally I hope the Mets don’t trade Murphy. Working in the Mets favor for trading Murphy have been his consistent numbers over the last few seasons. Working against him is a small amount of 2B that can be moved, like Uggla.
Today should be an interesting day with more conflicting reports. #wintermeetingsnormal
