Is Donnie Murphy A Potential Solution At 2B?

[ofahn]

Donnie Murphy Hits Free Agency

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [October 19, 2012 at 11:10am CST]

Donnie Murphy refused a minor league assignment, choosing instead to hit free agency, according to the transactions page at CBSSports.com. The Marlins outrighted the utility player to their Triple-A affiliate two days ago. Murphy, 29, appeared in 52 games for the Marlins this past season, playing second base, third base and shortstop. He posted a .216/.281/.379 batting line in 129 plate appearances and missed some time with a strained hamstring.

This guy might be someone we should bring to ST next year. 2B is going to be a BIG question and he can play multiple positions along with 2B. I don't see him as ever scaring anyone at the plate, but he would be worth offering a healthy bonus to sign a MINOR LEAGUE contract and allow him an opt out date, say around June 1st.

Here are his stats http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... do01.shtml

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/10/d ... gency.html

[Old Sneakers]

Honestly, the Orioles official website is pushing the "Brian Roberts is expected to be fully healthy for Spring Training" banner already. http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121017&content_id=39873440&vkey=news_bal&c_id=bal

Could of course just be smoke and mirrors and downplaying the need. However to respond to the opening post, I would likely pass on him and seek a more reliable hitter for the utility role. Otherwise plan on using Robert Andino as a regular starter.

[osforlife]

How about a Jeff Baker or Jeff Keppinger?

[ofahn]

How about a Jeff Baker or Jeff Keppinger?

IMO Baker is more of a corner IF. I haven't checked; is Keppinger on the open market?

[osforlife]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compe ... age_id=148 I think that means he's a free agent.
Baker plays everywhere except SS, CF, P, C. He's a decent utility guy to have around. He's basically a better hitting Robert Andino. So like Robert Andino of 2011. Baker has historically hit lefties to a very good clip. So he could be a valuable right-handed complement to Davis and Flaherty, should Ryan be playing second on an almost regular basis. All second basemen talks are complicated by the health of Brian Roberts.

[osforlife]

Also, I don't really think much of Murphy's stats, although he raked in 33 games for Miami's AAA team. Never seen him play, is he a stud fielder or something?

[Old Sneakers]

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keppije01.shtml

Nice thing about Keppinger is that he can handle a significant amount of playing time.

[ofahn]

Baker plays everywhere except SS, CF, P, C.

But, IMO, his glove doesn't play well at 2B.

[ofahn]

Also, I don't really think much of Murphy's stats, although he raked in 33 games for Miami's AAA team. Never seen him play, is he a stud fielder or something?

He's more of a glove asset. If we can't have an impact bat I'd rather focus on defense.

[birdwatcher55]

Murphy?? No thanks... I'd rather go with Flaherty/Andino platoon

[osforlife]

But, IMO, his glove doesn't play well at 2B.

Neither does Ryan Adams, and he would still be our best option at second base. Yet, management seems content to not even give him a chance. It seems as if I am the only one anywhere that still considers him an option for the future. Fielding percentage wise, Baker has been good at second base in his career.

[MikeNewcomb92]

Looking at his stats I'm not sold on wasting time and money on Donnie Murphy, I think what we have right now in Andino and Flaherty is suffice compared to Murphy.

[ofahn]

Looking at his stats I'm not sold on wasting time and money on Donnie Murphy, I think what we have right now in Andino and Flaherty is suffice compared to Murphy.

A minor league contract, even with a healthy signing bonus, is an investment of about 300K. IMO that's cheap for insurance.

[Matt P]

There is no such thing as a bad minor league free agent signing. However, he is not the solution at 2B.

[ofahn]

There is no such thing as a bad minor league free agent signing. However, he is not the solution at 2B.

Hence, the words POTENTIAL SOLUTION. Just signing him would give Andino a motive to be better prepared coming into ST.