Sleeper of the Week

Some might call me a Mets ‘homer,’ but others, including myself, call me ridiculously smart when it comes to pickups. I am convinced that I am the reincarnated scout who discovered Babe Ruth. Not that this next guy is going to be Babe Ruth (actually he’ll be nothing like him), but he will help your fantasy average, on base percentage, and runs driven in. With Marlon Anderson going on the disabled list, Mets management has called up little-known Daniel Murphy from Double-A Binghamton.

Drafted in the 13th round of the 2006 draft out of Jacksonville University, Murphy had quietly hit 13 home runs, driven in 67, and had a .308 avg in 357 at-bats with the Binghamton Mets. Not even the die-hards have heard of this kid. Since being called up, Daniel has gone 10/20, posting a .500 average and a .583 on base percentage. Hosh-posh, you may say; this is such a small sampling of at-bats, why would I waste a pick-up on him? My fellow fantasy brethren, this is why: Murphy has shown patience at the plate attune to that of a veteran ball player, working deep into every count, and drawing walks. As I’m typing this, Murphy just hit his first major league home run, putting the Mets on top of the Marlins in the 8th inning. He’s the real deal…if he hurts your fantasy team, I’ll eat my hat. Murphy has been thrown into a very important role as the Mets are realizing the return of Ryan Church most likely won’t happen this season, and he’s responded with steadfast resolve, excellent defense, patience at the plate, and timely hitting. Pick him up while he’s still an unknown.

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