Mets Second Baseman Daniel Murphy: 'I Want To Be In New York'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets have reportedly listened to offers for Daniel Murphy this offseason, but they're reluctant to let him go.
They've also reportedly asked for a ton in return for teams that are trying to acquire the second baseman.
And why shouldn't they? The 28-year-old had a terrific season for the Mets in 2013, playing solid defense -- he continues to improve -- and consistently hitting well in a lineup without much protection.
The left-handed hitter made his big-league debut with the Amazin's in 2008, and he'd rather not leave Queens anytime soon.
"I want to be in New York," Murphy, who played Santa Claus at the team's holiday party at Citi Field on Tuesday, told reporters. "Hopefully my best baseball is ahead of me. I've been a part of the problem, so you want to be part of the solution."
In Murphy's first year with the Mets, the line-drive hitter was on a team that won 89 games but missed the playoffs following a late-season collapse. Since then, he's been on five consecutive losing teams.
With the additions of Chris Young, Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon, Murphy sees this team improving in 2014 and beyond, and he wants to contribute.
"I see moves are being made," Murphy said. "And I think our ballclub's better today than it was at the end of the season. I don't think there's any doubt about that."
Murphy batted .286 with 13 homers and 78 RBIs in 161 games in 2013, posting a .319 on-base percentage. A gap hitter by trade, he utilized spacious Citi Field nicely, ripping 38 doubles and four triples. Most impressively, he was second in the National League in hits with 188.
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