The Mets have big decisions to make this winter, one of them being first base. At this point, most Mets fans would love to see the team non-tender Ike Davis, stick Lucas Duda on the bench, and sign a big name bat like Cuban defector Jose Dariel Abreu. Sandy Alderson seems determined to spend this off-season, but what if he misses out on Abreu? Would the Mets settle with a veteran like Justin Morneau or Kendrys Morales, or perhaps stay-in house by moving Daniel Murphy back to his original position.
Understandably so, Murphy doesn't possess the big time power that most first baseman in the league currently have. However, he is easily the team's best hitter not named David Wright, and as a first baseman he plays good enough defense to get by unscathed.
Of-course, moving Murphy to first base would just create a different problem -- who plays second base? Assuming he doesn't get traded, young Wilmer Flores could be ready to take the job. However, after a so-so stint with the Mets late this season, where he hit .211 in 27 games, the Mets may want to consider proven talent.
In comes Omar Infante, who will likely be let go by Detroit after this season through the free agent process. Infante, a career .279 in 12 seasons with the Marlins, Braves, and Tigers, has been relatively consistent throughout his career. At age 31, he may demand a deal along the lines of 3 years, $25-30 million, but the Mets could afford to overpay. With most buyers looking at the big target, Robinson Cano, Infante will probably fly under the radar this winter, which easily gives Sandy Alderson and Co. the opportunity to swoop in and snag him.
Infante would be an ideal number 2 hitter for the Mets lineup, and should have someone like Daniel Murphy as his protection. The Mets are an up and coming team that won't be afraid to break the bank so Infante should strongly consider coming to Queens.
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