The New York Mets are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and if the news that shortstop Jose Reyes was leaving the Big Apple for South Beach was proof of that the Tuesday morning report that the front office fielding calls for outfielder Daniel Murphy probably is.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres are all talking to New York at the 2011 Winter Meetings, held in Dallas, TX, in trading for Murphy.
Detroit appears most intrigued, viewing Murphy as a third base replacement for Brandon Inge. The Mets like the available lefty-swinging Andy Dirks, who is capable of playing all three outfield position. Dirks hit .251 with seven homers in 219 at-bats in his rookie season.
The Mets like Murphy’s bat, but remain concerned he does not have a defensive position and cannot stay consistently healthy.
-- For more on the offseason moves of the New York Mets, visit the SB Nation blog Amazin' Avenue. SB Nation's MLB Daily Dish has the latest news on offseason free agent signings or trade talks.