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          New York Mets

          Murph believes he'll remain a Met

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterDec 17, 2013, 01:37 PM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          NEW YORK -- Daniel Murphy said his agents spoke with Mets executives during the winter meetings and came away feeling that he will be a Met in 2014. Moreover, Murphy added Tuesday, he wants to be a Met next season.

          Murphy remains under the Mets' control through the 2015 season.

          Sources told ESPNNewYork.com the Mets have listed to trade proposals on Murphy, but have been demanding as far as the return.

          Daniel Murphy

          Daniel Murphy

          #28 2B
          New York Mets

          2013 STATS

          • GM161

          • HR13

          • RBI78

          • R92

          • OBP.319

          • AVG.286

          "I was able to keep track of it a little bit," said Murphy, who played Santa Claus at Tuesday's Mets holiday party for local schoolchildren. "It didn't seem like there was a whole, whole lot going on.

          "I want to be in New York. We've struggled the last couple of years, and I also feel like hopefully my best baseball is ahead of me. So when you feel like you've been a little part of the problem, you want to be a part of the solution. So that's what I'm looking forward to -- to hopefully being part of the solution around here. ... I think I'll be here. But that's one of those things that's outside of my control. I want to be here. I think this organization is headed in the right direction, and I really want to be a part of it."

          Sandy Alderson downplayed Murphy's candidacy as a leadoff hitter, citing the second baseman's .319 on-base percentage last season. Still, Murphy said he has quizzed his brother Jonathan -- a minor leaguer in the Minnesota Twins system -- about batting atop the order.

          "You only lead off once," Murphy noted. "You only lead off the first at-bat of the game. And then probably your other four at-bats you won't lead off. I've talked to my brother about that. He led off this year in the minor leagues, and I'll pick his brain. Wherever T.C. puts me, it's about trying to have a good at-bat."

          When Murphy lightheartedly was reminded he stole 23 bases last season, he replied: "They didn't pay attention to me much over there. Hopefully they won't again next year."