Yesterday, Daniel Murphy dropped a routine pop-up with two outs, and a runner, who, when the ball dinked off his glove and rolled through the grass, rounded third and scored a run.
“Inexcusable,” Murphy told reporters, standing by his locker after the game. “Johan threw the ball really well and deserved a lot better than 
that. I’m better than that. It won’t happen like that again. I was lazy to the ball and I got exposed for it. I didn’t get back. I got exposed, and it cost us.”
Manuel acknowledged that, up to now, Murphy has not shown signs of being a poor defensive outfielder, then said:
“Murphy is still working very hard. Here you have a young man who works extremely hard and who is getting better. I don’t think you’re gonna see that type of stuff from him on a regular basis, today that just kind of happened out of nowhere… he’ gonna be fine… I refuse to be concerned with that at this point.”
Manuel characterized the error as a ‘misplay,’ noting it could have happened to anybody, and said there was no reason to address Murphy about the play.
…i do not anticipate a huge backlash of people questioning murphy’s ability to play in the major leagues… i think reasonable people will understand he simply made a mistake, albeit a costly one… fact is, murphy’s error combined with John Johnson’s stellar pitching performance created a terrible combination… had the Mets been up against a weaker pitcher, and scored enough runs to win, murphy’s error, while awful, would be less of an issue today… plus, let’s be honest, if he’s not out there, it’s Gary Sheffield, and is sheffield that much more superior to murphy on defense… would Manny Ramirez have been that much better on defense… no… so, that discussion is senseless… he’ll be fine, and he should and will be given more room for error than one mistake during the sixth game of the season…
“I’d like to see us all be a little better defensively. I just think, 
overall, we haven’t been as sharp defensively as I’d like us to be. I know it’s early, but defense is very crucial. This spring, we emphasized the hitting part of it. Now, we have to get back spending time on our defensive, both interior and exterior. We need to do those little things to get on a streak.”
…by the way, i believe interior defense is turning a double play, hitting the cut-off man, that sort of thing, while exterior defensive is simply catching the ground ball or pop up… i could be wrong, but i am fairly sure this is correct… anyone?…
Manuel said he will start doing additional defensive work with his team prior to the game, adding, “We’re gonna start treating it like we’ve treated our offensive fundamentals, and put a bigger emphasis on it.”
Just gonna post this one more time so more people have the heads up!
Citifield's opening night weather forecast:
It might be a bit cool for some people's tastes, but at least it's not raining!
It'll be sunny today, but sunset is at 6:33pm so that won't affect the game.
Looking at a game-time temperature of around 51 degrees with partly cloudy skies.
Enjoy the game all those who are going!
Let's Go Mets!
I think Murphy gets a pass (this time). He's still playing a position he's relatively new to, so this is his get-out-of-jail free card. If the Mets score 1 run in a game, it's not like they're usually going to win that game anyway.
Wouldn't you agree losing the ball in the sun could happen to anyone?
Why not put Sheff in left field and Murphy at 2b. Possible line up:
Reyes
Murphy / Castillio
Wright
Delgado
Beltron
Church
Sheffield
Snider / Castro
Church to valuable to remove from right field!
Because Shef can barely play defense anywhere, and Murphy can barely play 2B. It would make our defense much weaker, and there's no guarantee that Shef won't hit .230 or whatever again.
I saw Murphy's post game interview and kudos to him for not making excuses for that error. He not only works hard, he shows incredible maturity for one that young. He took full responsibility and I'm sure we can all agree we won't see that type of error from him again. He probably has already talked to half a dozen players/coaches to get some guidance on what he could have done better on that play – other than the obvious of using two hands to catch the ball. He's not a natural outfielder so I'd have to think that's a must for him….
agreed. The guy is an infielder throught his minor league career. Im sure this wont be the last error he will ever make but im sure taking a lazy approach to the ball will not happen again as you said.
The thing with the Murphy error is that he can talk to everyone and anyone about that ball, but there really isn't much for them to tell him other than to catch the ball haha. Obviously he is still getting used to being out there on a regular basis, but in that situation it was just a mental gaffe. I agree with you though that he should be using two hand at ALL times (everyone should really). That being said, like you I think he will pull through this fine. I hope he doesn't let this fester.
What did he say? At the same time, we all knew what type of player Murphy is and will become. I'm just curious to know his thoughts to the press after the game.
“Inexcusable,”
Johan threw the ball really well and deserved a lot better than that. I’m better than that. Won’t happen like that again. I was lazy to the ball and I got exposed for it. I didn’t get back. I got exposed, and it cost us.”
Yesterday's loss was unfortunate, because it overshadowed a dominant outing by Johan, who is in Cy Young form a bit early.
That being said, Murph's miscue was expected…we knew that Murphy would remind us that he was a converted infielder, but obviously the timing could have been better. For now, this is the price we pay for having Daniel in the lineup. His bat won the Mets first game, and his glove lost their 6th game. Murphy has looked better in the field so far this year, and hopefully he can continue to improve going forward.
Well said.
Do you even watch the games Cerrone? One run scored on the Murphy drop, Johan gave up a hit to the next batter which allowed the second run to score.
I was going to say, this is the second time he's made the same mistake in three posts. And the one in between had a factual error as well. Sheesh!
I didn't even watch the game and I know there was 1 guy on when Murphy made the error
Well that error lead to the two runs being scored – b/c it would have been the third out. But on that one play two runs did not cross the plate….
This is the same team that choked at the end of 07 and 08 so what makes this yr any different ? I forgot we got 2 closers WoW !!!!! If we can't beat a team that took us out the last 2 yrs an rub it in our face then what I know its only 6 games WHATEVER
Exactly. It was time for this team to make a statement that they are not going to be pushed around anymore. Once again they let the Marlins beat them in the series. More upset with Fridays loss then Sunday's. Just had a hot pitcher yesterday. I don't care how early in the season it is, every game is important. If they don't know that now after the last couple of years, then they never will.
So you think Mets won't make the Playoffs? I don't know if I can decide that after 6 F-IN GAMES!!
If history is any indication with this group, then no I do not think they will make the playoffs. I love the Mets and pretty much watch every game. Yes I will be rooting for them to make the playoffs. Will even go to a game or 2. But I have to be realistic until they prove me wrong and get to the playoffs.
Why wasn't Paulino walked? That was the move the manager needed to make. Why is no one at least discussing the game-WINNING run situation from yesterday??????
because paulino would not have been a factor if murph caught the ball. There was no reason to walk paulino unless you had a crystal ball and knew he was going to get a hit…i believe there was 2 outs.
Are you serious? Walk a backup catcher with your stud on the mound? That's why..
Besides Johnson struck out Delado and the ump missed it. by all rights it should of been 2-0..
on the same token, the ump gave jj ALOT of calls too.
I am serious. And don't call me Shirely. Another reason I just thought of – to walk the back up catcher eighth place hitter who got the game-WINNING hit that nobody including Santana wants to discuss- you are up against one of the best pitchers in the league – who already has a 1-0 lead and you'd like the score not to go to 2-0.
Matt, there was only one on when Murphy made the error:
Ross safe at first on left fielder Murphy's fielding error, Hermida scored, Ross to second.
Paulino singled to left, Ross scored.
As keith would say…"gotta use proper fundies"__Im not worried about murph and as i said in the post game, its going to happen again. We take for granted this kid is an infielder and is kinda learning the job as he plays. Murph has made more difficult catches out there so this routine flyball incident doesnt worry me. Jerry is right, defense is a big part of success. The castillo incident…for example, we got lucky johan pitched around it but sloppy defense has to be addressed. The marlins do not have very good defense and thats why im surprised they didnt have reyes bunt more often(obviously to the 1b side because bonofasio is at 3rd). Anyway problems are duely noted and will hopefully be addressed.
For anyone to say dont be concerned or its only one game etc. etc. hasnt been watching since spring training and last year. He looks awful out there even with routine pop ups. I like Murphy and think he should stay out there and gain experience but we all have a reason to be worried. Love to watch his plate discipline and patience. He looks awful at pretty much all times out there playing D. Can that change?? Yes of course it could. But I reserve my right to be worried!
I just looked back at the first 6 games. The Mets have left somewhere around 90 men on base over that span (average 15 per game). This lineup does not work. They need to hide Castillo in the #2 spot and lengthen the lineup by pushing either Church or Murphy down to 7th.
So we are 3 and 3 and should be 5 and 1! Its difficult in the beginning of the year when you can still keep track of our record and what it should be etc. So if we dont make the playoffs can we look at these 2 games that should have been won? If we make the playoffs by 1 game can we look at the save by KROD that everyone is sure we would have coughed up last year. I bet Philly fans believe they should be better than 3 and 3 as well! My point? I think going forward Im not watching baseball til game 60 or something lol. Its driving me nuts already and its only game 7. They say baseball should be fun? It is when you win everyday or reel off 8-10 in a row. This win one lose one kills me and its only game 7. Hopefully we start a nice win streak and put at least 2-3 decent streaks together this year with minimal losing streaks. I Dont think my rant made any sense but that is what baseball does to me and Im sure many others
boy you need to relax….
I was the same way until i added beer to watching mets games lol j/k(well half kidding but w/e)
your entitled to your own opinion but i would not read so much into these games. The game on friday…cantu hit a very good pitch by oday..cant say anything about that. This game jj was on his game and we cannot hit this guy to begin with. Yea it sux the game was decided on an error but its just 1 out of 162. If these games bother you then i think your right, might want to start watching baseball after the allstar break as that is where the good teams show up. Do you really think the marlins,braves, toronto,, baltimore and seatle will remain at the top of their division all year…..
I think if it wasn't for the way we ended the last 2 yrs we would not be so worried now I understand its only 6 games but they are plaing the same way these are the Marlins a team that rub it in our face and yet we can't find a way to beat them
Haha yes i should. The only problem is by the end of the year it gets worse and I have to TIVO games and only watch if they win!! Yes its a condition that a Doc needs to check out or maybe a beer like you said is the remedy. My point that I was trying to make in my jumbled paragraph was everyone was getting all crazy the game Krod held on too saying this is a game we would have blown last year for sure. Well where do you pick and choose what games get us into the playoffs or out?? I mean its only game 7 and you could easily look at 2 or 3 of our losses so far and say we should have won.
I think most people are just happy with one of the best closers in the game now. Just commenting on how excited about KRod. That's it.
the stud pitcher gets the opposing pitcher out. therefore, one run scores instead of two; or am i missing something? it's called managing; i'm not saying it's a slam dunk to walk Paulino; but definitely worthy of discussion. by the way, the stud pitcher gave up a hit to the back-up eighth place hitter.
how do you know it wasn't discussed?
i have no idea if it was; worthy though
Paulino is a #8 hitter. The way Johan was pitching, you don't walk a #8 hitter. Plus, if you get him out, you have pitcher leading off the next inning.
the way Johnson was pitching, you don't pitch to the eight place hitter in that spot – sorry – just had more time to think about it and needed to add.
if they can get paulino out with 2 outs, then the next innning johan faces the pitcher….easy out and now instead of facing the top of the lineup with 0 out, he faces it with 1 out. IF he walks the leadoff man, double play is in order to get him out of the jam. Its called managing…..
that's the problem; you're worried about the next inning already; meanwhile the game-winning run just scored – you lost. the eighth place hitter in the lineup just beat you -it's called losing
Did you see the way Johan pitched? There's NO WAY he walks a #8 hitter to get to a pitcher. If what you call is managing, why not walk all the batters and just face pitchers?
i still don't see the downside (other than ego) to walking the eighth hitter in this particular instance; being that he ended up getting a hit, he was hardly an automatic out; Johan was clearly a bit unnerved by the error. anyhoo, onwards and up
did you know that was the game winning run in the second inning or did it happen to be the game winning run at teh END OF THE GAME…
well really – just attempting some balance here – with 100% emphasis on Murphy's error – Santana's ingracious comments after the game saying it cost him the game – the error happened. Then Sanatana gave up another run on a single to the eighth place hitter. Johan forgot abou that. A decision was made to pitch to the eighth place hitter. That decision ultimately played a big role in the end result of the game. The Mets roled the dice risking a 2-0 deficit against one of the dominant pitchers in the league – it failed. That's all. Who knew?
isnt his name josh johnson?
Yes it is lol. I guess a typo
Write your comment here…
Sheff WOULD NOT get the LF 'job' over Tatis. No way.
Why does it always seem when we score 8 runs we win or lose 8 to 6. When all we need is a few runs, always with Johan, we cant get them like the day before. Nothing worse at least for me is a wasted effort like that from our ace. Such is baseball once again. So annoying I thought Johan would win 25-30 this year!! because we have a new bullpen. Isnt that the deal we signed up for?? lol
yea this one particular loss didn't bother me so much. It was quite a shame to waste such a brilliant start by Johan but what can you do. what has really bothered me is the Mets overall sloppy defense. I'm not just talking about the Murphy error, I'm mostly referring to our infield defense. We've had too many bobbled balls, some we've been able to recover and get the out, some not, castillo, reyes and wright are all guilty and they definitely need to step it up, this should be one of the strengths on this team.
Matt – did you even watch the game? Only one run scored on the Murphy error. The second run came in on a subsequent base hit. I believe several people in the comments section already corrected you in a previous post.
Happy Opening Day.
Yes, Sheffield and Ramirez would be better defensively…because they are outfielders. Murphy is a 3B playing the outfield. Yes, range-wise they all may be similar, but Murphy is going to make mistakes like yesterday because he's not experienced.
I miss Endy's glove. Worth noting: he's batting .379 with the Mariners so far and Murphy's batting .296..
Clearly, this will change within a month………..
Murphy would be a terrific DH
He misplayed from the beginning, came in, but got back and then NONCHALANTLY
attempted a ONE HAND catch. Puzzling also was pitching to the 8th place hitter right after, instead of the pitcher who struck out. One game means a lot.
murphy is not an outfielder. he is a natural infielder. murphy should be playing 2b instead of slappy. put tatis-sheff combo in LF
I don't expect this is something that we will see a lot of from Murphy..it was just one of those plays that happened at the wrong time in the wrong game. Josh Johnson was dominant for florida and it should at least be an encouraging sign that our pitching continues to do well…now all we need is the offense to show up.
I don't have any problems (new or old) with Daniel Murphy before or after the error. I think he's learning and going to get stronger in many ways this year. He's now and future.
My only hope is that our Mets don't get eliminated by one game again. Johan said it best and it seems like he's keeping it real.