[sportsluvngrl86]

Why does it seem Mets fans aren't content with the current left-field situation? Fernando Tatis was the most clutch Met before his injury last season, and Daniel Murphy was quite a serviceable player as soon as he was called up. I consider the club's left-field situation right now a strength, not a weakness.
-- Bruce G., Roslyn, N.Y.

I'm not sure it's a strength. Let's see how well Murphy performs. But my sense of it is that the tandem is more likely to be an asset than a liability. And as I've said previously, I generally favor a platoon at an offensive position because two players remain fresh and prepared. And I think this projected platoon is the ideal type -- with the younger player facing right-handed pitching and therefore getting more at-bats than the older, right-handed-hitting player.

Content with left field

I have to agree with that we have to see how well Murphy performs. I hope he does well for sure.

[njpsufan]

While Murphy showed promise last year, the problem is Tatis. This guy was out of baseball since 2006 and before that since 2003. He played 120 in total between 2003-2008. That's who you want to rely on to be your everyday LF... or at least in a platoon??? As a Phillies fan I am happy if you do that but I would like to think Minaya has more sense then that. He took a flyer on Tatis this year but with the sheer number of corner OF's out there, he would be foolish not to upgrade.

[Full Cougar]

There is some talk about Andrew Jones. Would that be good? I personally wouldnt think so. He hasn't turned in a good season since 2006.

Another option could be Adam Dunn. He is usually guaranteed a 40 homerun and 100 RBI season. However like Jones, he is a strikeout machine.

Neither of those guys will be winning any silver sluggers anytime soon, however they have some magic with the pine once in a while. Both of their defensive skills seem to be below par. However all-in-all I would prefer Adam Dunn.

[njpsufan]

Think you are better playing Murphy full time as opposed to Dunn. Guy is a statue in LF. Dunn is best suited to DH/1B for someone. He is a major downgrade in the field. A guy like Milton Bradley would be a good fit... except with his whacko brain in NYC it is a reciepe for big headlines. If Abreu could play D, he would be a good fit for you.

[Full Cougar]

I think Abreu would be good for the Mets too. His defense isn't THAT terrible. Compared to other selctions for left field. However do you think he could make the transition?

[njpsufan]

Abreu is horrible in the field. Watched him for years in Philly, the guy is terrified of the wall. Has an OK arm, but he just can not go back on anything. His power numbers are gone, 20 HR roughly a year is best you will get. He does drive in runs and hits for solid avg while getting on base. Guy is one of the best at working the count... which can drive you crazy at times. He is asking/looking for $16M a year for 3 years.... good luck on that. The fact that Burrell signed with TB for 2 yrs at $8M a year tells you where the market is. If the Mutts signed him for a similar price or a bit more then that would be a good deal... esp if they could teach him to play 1B for when Delgado tanks.