10/23 Winter League Report! Vargas! Murphy!! + 10/24 Links

Peo Saguaros 9, Surprise 1

Jason Vargas: (W) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 BB's, 1 K, 0.00 ERA
2b Daniel Murphy: 2-6, 2B, 2 RBI, .400
c Josh Thole 1 for 5, run, RBI, .375, PB (2)

Murphy Fielding Opportunities @ 2B

• Wes Hodges grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
• Julio Borbon grounds out softly, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  Joe Dickerson grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
• Josh Rodriguez grounds out, pitcher Jason Vargas to second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  
• Wes Hodges grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart
• Josh Rodriguez grounds out sharply, pitcher Greg Burke to second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.

Thoughts:
---I know the trade in which the Mets gave up Lindstrom/Owens for Vargas/Bostick was horrible, but I think there may be some hope yet for Mr. Vargas. After having surgery last October to remove a bone spur form his elow, Vargas missed the entire 2008 season due to hip surgery. Finally healthy, he has thrown 12.2 scoreless innings in the AFL. Yes, AFL stats don't mean much, but this was a guy who pre his first MLB call-up, completely dominated the minor leagues, and then posted a 4 ERA in his rookie year. I haven't heard any reports about his velocity, but pre-injury he was in the low 90's which is always a plus for a lefty. I'm not saying he'll be a star or something, but he could be a nice long relief pitcher for the Mets next year..

---And yes, Daniel Murphy can hit, but this fall he has shown he's no butcher at second base, only commiting one error, and I think it would be stupid for the Mets not to give Murphy the 2B job going into next year.

IWLs

c Salvador Paniagua 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .200
3b Edgardo Alfonzo 1 for 5, run, .421
c Gustavo Molina 0 for 2, BB, .000
Matias Carrillo IP, 2 H, R, K, 7.36 era, 1:1:1

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