Padres interested in Murton?

[UK1679666180]

I'm curious to know if anyone (i.e. Lou) has considered moving Soriano back to CF. Call up Murton and play him in left. Floyd/Pagan in right. I don't see it happening, but I think it would ba a viable option. The problem then becomes what to do with Pie, but you can always shift Soriano to RF in the offseason and start next year with Murton-Pie-Soriano across the OF.

 

It's an easier option than trying to trade for another OFer while possibly upgraded the outfield production by replacing Pagan/Pie with Murton.

 

Basically, if Pie isn't going to play regularly anyway, I'd rather have Murton in the lineup than Pagan.

 

It's an interesting question, I'm not sure how much of his cold start was dependent on the cold weather or learning a new position.

 

As a LF'er he has been very good offensively... You can do the same thing when the weather got warmer as well and get the same findings.

 

.329/.351/.587/.938

[Tracer Bullet]

Lou has no patience for people who contribute nothing (Barrett, Izturis, Jones).

 

If Lou makes determinations on who brings what to the table based on a handful of ABs this year rather than a year's worth of starts in the majors last year, he's a total idiot.

[Backtobanks]

Some of this talk about Murton struggling early is true, but I don't think he is the type of player who can come out of a slump by being benched. For all of us who despise Jones (including me), the Cubs turned a good prospect (Murton) and a fair platoon OF (Jones) into two disasters by not using them correctly.

[Lockes Eye Scar]

Some of this talk about Murton struggling early is true, but I don't think he is the type of player who can come out of a slump by being benched. For all of us who despise Jones (including me), the Cubs turned a good prospect (Murton) and a fair platoon OF (Jones) into two disasters by not using them correctly.

 

it all comes back to the pointless Cliff Floyd signing.

[killthegoat06]

Some of this talk about Murton struggling early is true, but I don't think he is the type of player who can come out of a slump by being benched. For all of us who despise Jones (including me), the Cubs turned a good prospect (Murton) and a fair platoon OF (Jones) into two disasters by not using them correctly.

 

it all comes back to the pointless Cliff Floyd signing.

floyd has been pretty good. He won Tuesday's game for us.

[davearm]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

[CubinNY]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

What does Murton need to work on?

 

The idea that RF is *that* much different than left is balderdash. The difference is longer throws to third and a different POV on the game. Murton doesn't have a great arm so he seems more suited to LF.

 

The problem is the Cubs think they need to get a run producer out there. Maybe they do, but they also need guys to get on base too.

 

Although I don't think the Cubs will do it, Soriano seems much more suited for RF and Floyd/Murton seem better suited for LF. I guess they don't want to switch Soriano again.

 

Which brings me to my last point, Murton doesn't really have that much trade value as a stand alone. He's not going to be an elite outfielder and most teams want power from the corners. A team like the A's, Boston, or San Deigo might value Murton's skills but they are not likely to want to give up much to get him. I think the Cubs will have to package Murton with some other talent to get any value for him at all.

[Guest]

Some of this talk about Murton struggling early is true, but I don't think he is the type of player who can come out of a slump by being benched. For all of us who despise Jones (including me), the Cubs turned a good prospect (Murton) and a fair platoon OF (Jones) into two disasters by not using them correctly.

 

it all comes back to the pointless Cliff Floyd signing.

floyd has been pretty good. He won Tuesday's game for us.

 

Floyd has a .770 OPS. If Murton isn't juggled around and had regular playing time, I'm confident he could outdo that.

[Skyballer]

Some of this talk about Murton struggling early is true, but I don't think he is the type of player who can come out of a slump by being benched. For all of us who despise Jones (including me), the Cubs turned a good prospect (Murton) and a fair platoon OF (Jones) into two disasters by not using them correctly.

 

it all comes back to the pointless Cliff Floyd signing.

floyd has been pretty good. He won Tuesday's game for us.

 

Floyd has a .770 OPS. If Murton isn't juggled around and had regular playing time, I'm confident he could outdo that.

With relative ease.

[Skyballer]

Murton is still gonna be a .300/.370/.450 hitter in the bigs. I'm still not convinced Murton can't handle RF defensively. I just don't think there's any ABs for him.

 

A 25 year old making the minimum who can put up a respectable line like that is a nice player to have.

Murton can be decent almost anywhere given practice, he is athletic enough. Problem is his arm is well below average.

Any plans on Sori to right and Murt back to Left?

Edited July 6, 2007 by Skyballer

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Murton is still gonna be a .300/.370/.450 hitter in the bigs. I'm still not convinced Murton can't handle RF defensively. I just don't think there's any ABs for him.

 

A 25 year old making the minimum who can put up a respectable line like that is a nice player to have.

 

Murton can be decent almost anywhere given practice, he is athletic enough. Problem is his arm is well below average.

Any plans on Sori to right and Murt back to Left?

 

Fixed

[Skyballer]

Murton is still gonna be a .300/.370/.450 hitter in the bigs. I'm still not convinced Murton can't handle RF defensively. I just don't think there's any ABs for him.

 

A 25 year old making the minimum who can put up a respectable line like that is a nice player to have.

 

Murton can be decent almost anywhere given practice, he is athletic enough. Problem is his arm is well below average.

Any plans on Sori to right and Murt back to Left?

 

Fixed

Thank You

[forbez18]

What is Murton doing in the minors? Is he playing left or is he playing right? I know that they are two compleytely different positions but if he is getting a lot of time in left right now I could see him becoming an adequate defensive right fielder with no arm. How is he hitting with consistent playing time too?

[dew1679666265]

Lou has no patience for people who contribute nothing (Barrett, Izturis, Jones).

 

If Lou makes determinations on who brings what to the table based on a handful of ABs this year rather than a year's worth of starts in the majors last year, he's a total idiot.

 

If the reports are true and the Cubs (meaning Hendry and Lou primarily) are very high on Murton, what that tells me is that Lou didn't determine what Murton brought to the table based on anything he did this year.

 

What my speculation is (and that's all it is until Lou says something) is that Murton struggled terribly early and Floyd played well. Thus, Murton began to slowly get less playing time and Floyd more - this only makes sense when a team feels they can contend. Eventually, Murton's struggles got so bad that Lou felt he would do best to go to Iowa and get consistent at-bats without hurting the team.

 

Therefore, the team still values Murton and that is shown by the fact that they haven't given up on him and traded him (see Barrett and the attempts to trade Izzy and Jones). Do I agree with Lou on this? Not entirely, but I can understand the thinking.

[dew1679666265]

What is Murton doing in the minors? Is he playing left or is he playing right? I know that they are two compleytely different positions but if he is getting a lot of time in left right now I could see him becoming an adequate defensive right fielder with no arm. How is he hitting with consistent playing time too?

 

From what I've understood, he's starting every day in right.

[Skyballer]

What is Murton doing in the minors? Is he playing left or is he playing right? I know that they are two compleytely different positions but if he is getting a lot of time in left right now I could see him becoming an adequate defensive right fielder with no arm. How is he hitting with consistent playing time too?

 

From what I've understood, he's starting every day in right.

Yes he is playing everyday in right since Lou sees his future there due to Sori in left.

 

Stats:

.282 .328 .437 .815(BA, Obp, Slg, Ops) and a steal, one homer and 8 rbi, not sure on defense.[/code]

[davearm]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

What does Murton need to work on?

 

The idea that RF is *that* much different than left is balderdash. The difference is longer throws to third and a different POV on the game. Murton doesn't have a great arm so he seems more suited to LF.

 

The problem is the Cubs think they need to get a run producer out there. Maybe they do, but they also need guys to get on base too.

 

Although I don't think the Cubs will do it, Soriano seems much more suited for RF and Floyd/Murton seem better suited for LF. I guess they don't want to switch Soriano again.

 

Which brings me to my last point, Murton doesn't really have that much trade value as a stand alone. He's not going to be an elite outfielder and most teams want power from the corners. A team like the A's, Boston, or San Deigo might value Murton's skills but they are not likely to want to give up much to get him. I think the Cubs will have to package Murton with some other talent to get any value for him at all.

The fact that you're asking this suggests that maybe you didn't see him playing RF much for the Cubs.

 

He was bad, and looked uncomfortable there.

 

It seemed pretty clear early on that OTJ training with the big club wasn't the most prudent approach to acclimating Murton to RF.

[CubinNY]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

What does Murton need to work on?

 

The idea that RF is *that* much different than left is balderdash. The difference is longer throws to third and a different POV on the game. Murton doesn't have a great arm so he seems more suited to LF.

 

The problem is the Cubs think they need to get a run producer out there. Maybe they do, but they also need guys to get on base too.

 

Although I don't think the Cubs will do it, Soriano seems much more suited for RF and Floyd/Murton seem better suited for LF. I guess they don't want to switch Soriano again.

 

Which brings me to my last point, Murton doesn't really have that much trade value as a stand alone. He's not going to be an elite outfielder and most teams want power from the corners. A team like the A's, Boston, or San Deigo might value Murton's skills but they are not likely to want to give up much to get him. I think the Cubs will have to package Murton with some other talent to get any value for him at all.

The fact that you're asking this suggests that maybe you didn't see him playing RF much for the Cubs.

 

He was bad, and looked uncomfortable there.

 

It seemed pretty clear early on that OTJ training with the big club wasn't the most prudent approach to acclimating Murton to RF.

 

I'm sure your eyes never lie.

[davearm]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

What does Murton need to work on?

 

The idea that RF is *that* much different than left is balderdash. The difference is longer throws to third and a different POV on the game. Murton doesn't have a great arm so he seems more suited to LF.

 

The problem is the Cubs think they need to get a run producer out there. Maybe they do, but they also need guys to get on base too.

 

Although I don't think the Cubs will do it, Soriano seems much more suited for RF and Floyd/Murton seem better suited for LF. I guess they don't want to switch Soriano again.

 

Which brings me to my last point, Murton doesn't really have that much trade value as a stand alone. He's not going to be an elite outfielder and most teams want power from the corners. A team like the A's, Boston, or San Deigo might value Murton's skills but they are not likely to want to give up much to get him. I think the Cubs will have to package Murton with some other talent to get any value for him at all.

The fact that you're asking this suggests that maybe you didn't see him playing RF much for the Cubs.

 

He was bad, and looked uncomfortable there.

 

It seemed pretty clear early on that OTJ training with the big club wasn't the most prudent approach to acclimating Murton to RF.

 

I'm sure your eyes never lie.

Are they lying in this case?

 

Did the Murton you saw playing RF have nothing to work on?

[Tracer Bullet]

Some of this talk about Murton struggling early is true, but I don't think he is the type of player who can come out of a slump by being benched. For all of us who despise Jones (including me), the Cubs turned a good prospect (Murton) and a fair platoon OF (Jones) into two disasters by not using them correctly.

 

it all comes back to the pointless Cliff Floyd signing.

floyd has been pretty good. He won Tuesday's game for us.

 

And Neifi beat the Cards with a grand slam a few years ago. Bring him back!

[CubColtPacer]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

What does Murton need to work on?

 

The idea that RF is *that* much different than left is balderdash. The difference is longer throws to third and a different POV on the game. Murton doesn't have a great arm so he seems more suited to LF.

 

The problem is the Cubs think they need to get a run producer out there. Maybe they do, but they also need guys to get on base too.

 

Although I don't think the Cubs will do it, Soriano seems much more suited for RF and Floyd/Murton seem better suited for LF. I guess they don't want to switch Soriano again.

 

Which brings me to my last point, Murton doesn't really have that much trade value as a stand alone. He's not going to be an elite outfielder and most teams want power from the corners. A team like the A's, Boston, or San Deigo might value Murton's skills but they are not likely to want to give up much to get him. I think the Cubs will have to package Murton with some other talent to get any value for him at all.

The fact that you're asking this suggests that maybe you didn't see him playing RF much for the Cubs.

 

He was bad, and looked uncomfortable there.

 

It seemed pretty clear early on that OTJ training with the big club wasn't the most prudent approach to acclimating Murton to RF.

 

I'm sure your eyes never lie.

 

The Murton in RF was different than him in LF. Unless you are willing to admit that Murton in LF would:

 

repeatedly allow bloop hits that fell in front of him to bounce right past him (3 times)

drop easy fly balls or popups (twice)

throw the ball to nobody in particular (once)

make crazy dives that allowed the ball to bounce past him (at least 3 times)

 

Those were the types of mistakes Murton was not making in LF last year, and he did all that in a month in RF. Sure, he had only average range and average arm strength, but he played the ball well off the bat and tended to catch the things in his range while in LF.

 

In RF, it was completely different. He was not taking proper angles to the ball, which was causing him to get there late and have him dive at a few balls, and also improper angles to bloops that allowed them to bounce past him for extra bases. He definitely could eliminate most of that through practice, but there was a definite difference in his defensive play in RF in late April-early June then his defensive play in LF that we've seen out of him the past couple years.

 

Errors themselves do not tell all that much (most of what I've listed above ended up being labeled a misplay rather than an error), but I'll include this last note: Murton had 3 errors in 133 games in LF last year, and 0 in 9 games there this year. He had 3 errors in 24 games in RF this year.

Edited July 6, 2007 by CubColtPacer

[Tracer Bullet]

Yeah, the Cubs really highly value Murton. That's why Cliff Floyd was signed and Murton is in AAA.

The most highly optimistic view would be that the Cubs really do value Murton highly, and see them as part of their future, but sent him down for two reasons:

1 - to get consistent ABs, and

2 - to get himself comfortable in RF someplace other than in the bigleagues.

 

Now whether that interpretation has any validity is anyone's guess.

 

But just because a young guy gets sent down, and a lesser player assumes his spot on the big club, doesn't automatically mean that the team doesn't value that young guy.

What does Murton need to work on?

 

The idea that RF is *that* much different than left is balderdash. The difference is longer throws to third and a different POV on the game. Murton doesn't have a great arm so he seems more suited to LF.

 

The problem is the Cubs think they need to get a run producer out there. Maybe they do, but they also need guys to get on base too.

 

Although I don't think the Cubs will do it, Soriano seems much more suited for RF and Floyd/Murton seem better suited for LF. I guess they don't want to switch Soriano again.

 

Which brings me to my last point, Murton doesn't really have that much trade value as a stand alone. He's not going to be an elite outfielder and most teams want power from the corners. A team like the A's, Boston, or San Deigo might value Murton's skills but they are not likely to want to give up much to get him. I think the Cubs will have to package Murton with some other talent to get any value for him at all.

 

I never played anywhere near ML level, but I spent time in all 3 OF positions in HS and I think the difference between LF and RF is significant. If you can play LF well, you should be able to handle RF, but in my opinion, they're not interchangeable.

[CubinNY]

Murton played sporadically for 24 games in RF before being sent down. For any of you to be making these comments is just plain shortsighted and frankly pretty stupid. Twenty-four freaking games. In the last 30 days (May 12 to June 12) he was up he started 13 games and never started two games in a row after May 26. From that date he made exactly 4 starts in 14 days. He pinch hitted 7 times. His batting average as a PH was .188. Can any of you imagine what kind of pressure he was playing under when he has to know that any day the worst fear for a you ball player could be realized, and in fact was (being sent down). Murton was set up for failure.

 

It's ridiculous to base an opinon on such scant evidence. And then to assume that becuase he was playing RF instead of LF he all of the sudden forgot how to play baseball is asinine. But if it makes you happy....

Edited July 7, 2007 by CubinNY

[bring stone back]

Murton played sporadically for 24 games in RF before being sent down. For any of you to be making these comments is just plain shortsighted and frankly pretty stupid. Twenty-four freaking games. In the last 30 days (May 12 to June 12) he was up he started 13 games and never started two games in a row after May 26. From that date he made exactly 4 starts in 14 days. He pinch hitted 7 times. His batting average as a PH was .188. Can any of you imagine what kind of pressure he was playing under when he has to know that any day the worst fear for a you ball player could be realized, and in fact was (being sent down). Murton was set up for failure.

 

It's ridicilous to base an opinon on such scant evidence. And then to assume that becuase he was playing RF instead of LF he all of the sudden forgot how to play baseball is asinine. But if it makes you happy....

 

Another Murton excuse on this site? No way...

 

This isn't little Johnny trying to make the varsity roster so let's please do away with the pressure argument. This is professional sports....I would sure hope there's pressure. Murton was given every opportunity to be a starting corner outfielder and he didn't produce. If you don't produce, it's Lou's job to insert someone else who will - which is exactly what he is trying to find.

 

Murton is a light hitting corner outfielder with a poor arm, average speed and a major defensive liability every time he steps on the field. Just because he knows how to take a pitch and has "upside" he should be given the benefit of the doubt and let him play out of this prolonged slump? I thought the fans wanted this team to win now?? It's one or the other.

[CubinNY]

Murton played sporadically for 24 games in RF before being sent down. For any of you to be making these comments is just plain shortsighted and frankly pretty stupid. Twenty-four freaking games. In the last 30 days (May 12 to June 12) he was up he started 13 games and never started two games in a row after May 26. From that date he made exactly 4 starts in 14 days. He pinch hitted 7 times. His batting average as a PH was .188. Can any of you imagine what kind of pressure he was playing under when he has to know that any day the worst fear for a you ball player could be realized, and in fact was (being sent down). Murton was set up for failure.

 

It's ridicilous to base an opinon on such scant evidence. And then to assume that becuase he was playing RF instead of LF he all of the sudden forgot how to play baseball is asinine. But if it makes you happy....

 

Another Murton excuse on this site? No way...

 

This isn't little Johnny trying to make the varsity roster so let's please do away with the pressure argument. This is professional sports....I would sure hope there's pressure. Murton was given every opportunity to be a starting corner outfielder and he didn't produce. If you don't produce, it's Lou's job to insert someone else who will - which is exactly what he is trying to find.

 

Murton is a light hitting corner outfielder with a poor arm, average speed and a major defensive liability every time he steps on the field. Just because he knows how to take a pitch and has "upside" he should be given the benefit of the doubt and let him play out of this prolonged slump? I thought the fans wanted this team to win now?? It's one or the other.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/murtoma01.shtml

 

Don't know where to begin.