Jordany Valdespin Gets Chance to Play

For those of us calling for more playing time for Jordany Valdespin, the time has come. With Ike Davis away, Valdespin will play.

Terry Collins told ESPNNewYork.com that Daniel Murphy will slide over to first place to finally give Valdespin a chance to prove himself at his natural position of second base. Collins was clear that this is not a slap at Murphy’s abilities at second.

“I don’t think that’s what we’re saying,” Collins said. “We just need to see Jordany — how he does.”

For his part, Murphy said he doesn’t mind.

“I’ve got a big-league position. There’s 30 times eight of them. And I feel fortunate to have one,” Murphy said. “I’m happy to have a job right now.”

But is Murphy playing himself out of a job with the Mets? If Jordany Valdespin does prove to be a competent second baseman and Davis is able to come back, Murphy could be a trade chip to improve the rest of the team. Murphy is the rare Met who has any trade value at all; if the Mets have a cheaper alternative to Murphy, he could be moved.

In any case, Collins said Murphy could slide back and forth to give Josh Satin some playing time at first. Lucas Duda will not see any time at first; Collins said he did not want to send a message to Davis that Duda could take his job permanently.