Conventional wisdom had four individuals – Daniel Murphy, Brad Emaus, Justin Turner, and Luis Castillo- competing for the second base job. When Kevin Burkhardt said today that Willie Harris might be “the best defensive second baseman of the group,” it got me thinking if he could be a viable candidate as well.

Although the ten year veteran is known for his wild catches in the outfield, he’s played second base (190 games) more than any other position in his career. He is about average (0.1 UZR/150), but a majority of that data was accumulated over five years ago when he was a member of the White Sox.

Harris bat profiles decently at second. When given the opportunity to play every day in 2008 with Washington he hit .251 with 13 homers and 43 RBI. One caveat is that he does struggle against LHP (career .202 average), but that’s where Rule V draftee Emaus could come into play as a platoon partner.

Obviously, the wild card in all this is Daniel Murphy. If he shows the ability to play second adequately, then perhaps he is the most logical choice based on his bat. The most experienced second baseman is Castillo, but you get the feeling distractions from brother’s illness, coupled with long odds, makes it unlikely he emerges from the fray. The fact that Harris has a similar bat, coupled with more experience at the position, makes this an intriguing idea.

If Harris were to make the team at second it changes the bench. I predict seven relievers, thus five bench players. You already have the backup catcher, Chin-lung Hu as the middle infielder, Scott Hairston, Brad Emaus, and then one of Daniel Murphy/Nick Evans. In that scenario Murphy has the advantage because of the lack of a left handed bench bat. He also could back up Ike Davis at first.

There’s been no indication that Harris is a serious candidate for second base, but in a wide open competition you can’t discount the improbable happening.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Brad Emaus, Daniel Murphy, Justin Turner, Luis Castillo, New York Mets, Willie Harris