Mets' Murphy finally wakes up at plate

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The day after the 6-3 shadow of Ike Davis disappeared from the clubhouse, Daniel Murphy began looking like the guy who is supposed to be the Mets' starting first baseman. On the heels of Davis' demotion, Murphy went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a 5-2 win over the Astros.

"I don't know what I was hitting," said Murphy, who raised his average to .162 (6-for-37) in 12 games. "But I know it wasn't good."

Murphy's defense attracted the most attention heading into spring training, and his televised offseason tutorial at first base with Keith Hernandez magnified that. But his focus shifted to the plate as camp progressed, and Hernandez even spoke to him about hitting before yesterday's game.

"I played around with some things early on and didn't play very well," Murphy said. "But I'm starting to feel good now and I think it's at the right time."

The Mets haven't wavered from their plan of starting Murphy at first. Still, with Mike Jacobs pushing him and Davis waiting at Triple-A, Murphy could use an ego boost. At least his defense seems OK.

"I haven't kicked one yet," he said.

Santana on track

Johan Santana wrapped up his Grapefruit League schedule by allowing eight hits and two runs in 52/3 innings during a 93-pitch effort. He has an 0-2 record and 6.75 ERA in four starts, and he'll pitch in a minor-league game Monday or Tuesday as his final tuneup for Opening Day, April 5.

"I felt all right," Santana said. "I'm pretty much ready to go."

Extra bases

The Reds remain interested in Gary Matthews Jr., a person familiar with the situation confirmed, but the Mets may not be willing to part with him until after the regular season begins . . . Francisco Rodriguez struck out the side in the ninth . . . Jon Niese pitched two scoreless innings to keep his tentative hold on the fifth starter's spot.