Latest news with #Sean Murphy
New York Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Gauging the MLB trade market: Rich in center, poor at 2nd and short, and lacking any aces
Sean Murphy remains one of baseball's best at his position. Well above-average at the plate with strong defensive metrics behind it, Murphy is a rarity in today's game: an everyday, all-star-caliber catcher who's under contract for the next three seasons. He might not be the best player available at the trade deadline, but he certainly could be a unique one. Advertisement The market of available bats and arms will come into greater focus as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, but the potential for strengths and weaknesses is already apparent. There seem to be a lot of mid-rotation arms, but not many middle-of-the-order sluggers or middle-of-the-infield defenders. And there certainly aren't many catchers. Murphy has the seventh-highest fWAR among big league catchers — very close to being tied for fifth — and the catchers ahead of him aren't going anywhere. But the Atlanta Braves' disappointing season, along with the arrival of rookie Drake Baldwin, makes Murphy a reasonable trade candidate owed $15 million each of the next three seasons. The next-best catcher available could be Jose Trevino of the Cincinnati Reds, who's No. 2 on the depth chart and worth less than half Murphy's WAR. For teams in need of everyday help behind the plate, there's one really good catcher and perhaps not much else. It's like that at other positions, too. A lot of this, but not a lot of that. Two weeks before the trade deadline, these seem to be the relative strengths and weaknesses of the market. Even if Alex Bregman is unlikely to move, this trade market should still include Ryan O'Hearn, Eugenio Suarez, Josh Naylor and Ryan McMahon. All are corner infielders who can make a difference. O'Hearn is an All-Star, Suarez is on track for 40-plus homers, Naylor remains a well above-average hitter, and McMahon is a good defender with some pop. And the market at first base goes even deeper with Carlos Santana and Nathaniel Lowe as Gold Glove winners who have offensive value, and Josh Bell could be a buy-low candidate with double-digit home run potential down the stretch. Ramon Urías and Yoan Moncada could also help a needy team at third base. Advertisement Teams desperate for help at second base or shortstop might have trouble trading for even a replacement-level player. Unless the Twins dangle Willi Castro, the best middle infielder on the trade market might be Ozzie Albies, who's having a disappointing season for the Braves and doesn't even rate as a top 30 second baseman by FanGraphs WAR. One of the Urías brothers — either Ramon or Luis — might be the next-best option at second, but they've typically been utility players rather than everyday guys. Angels infielder Luis Rengifo is having a negative WAR season, but in this market, might some team take a flyer and hope for two months of offensive resurgence? As for shortstops, the only one that's come even close to making our Big Board is Isiah Kiner-Falefa, another utility type who's been at least a sound defender with enough contact ability to have some offensive value. This is especially true if the Red Sox were to move Jarren Duran — a left fielder who's capable of playing center — but even without him as a headliner, the center fielder market could include Cedric Mullins, Harrison Bader, Alek Thomas and Luis Robert. None of these have been massive bats, but Bader is having a resurgent season at the plate and offers above-average offense with some power. Mullins and Thomas have been above replacement level, too, and Robert is an immense talent that might be worth a gamble despite his awful 2025 numbers. Each of these center fielders has a different skillset that might fit a different team. Again, Duran would be a headliner for teams looking to acquire impact in an outfield corner, and his teammate Wilyer Abreu would also provide legitimate impact, but if the Red Sox don't move either of their left-handed corner outfielders, the best bet on the trade market is probably Taylor Ward of the Angels, and even he's not top 25 in wRC+ or fWAR among big league outfielders. The lack of a can't-miss outfield bat could raise the profile of Bryan Reynolds, who has almost $80 million remaining on his contract and started this season slow — he still has a negative WAR for the year — but he has a solid track record and had a better month of June. Even Adolis Garcia, known for his power, has been a below-average hitter the past two seasons. Given such limited supply, quality role players like Ramon Laureano, Austin Hays, Randal Grichuk, Jesus Sanchez and trade deadline staple Tommy Pham could also see their value rise. (Considering Marcell Ozuna has played two games in the outfield the past three years, we're assuming he's locked into a DH-only territory.). Advertisement Are you looking to fill out your rotation to get you to October? Well, you've got a range of options, including three different varieties of Zachary. You can go with Zack Littell, Zach Eflin or eschew every baseball writer's hesitation after typing the first three letters there and go with Zac Gallen. (We should apologize to Littell here; his given name is, in fact, Zack and not Zachary.) The point is, if you feel good about the top of your rotation but uneasy after that, there are plenty of choices here. Mitch Keller can be your No. 3 for a half-decade, Nick Martinez for eight weeks. Lucas Giolito, Andrew Heaney, Tyler Anderson, Michael Soroka – they'd improve most every team's fourth- or fifth-starter situation. You know which Zachary isn't available? The one who's as good as any pitcher in baseball in Zack Wheeler. And there's basically nobody in or even near Wheeler's class that you'd feel good about acquiring and penciling in to be a Game 1 or even Game 2 starter in October. Wheeler's old teammate, Seth Lugo, is probably the best pitcher who might move, while former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara might be the one with the highest ceiling in 2025 — if he can put it all together. Does Merrill Kelly change how you feel about your team in a short series? Some of the biggest deadline moves ever have involved ace starting pitchers changing uniforms. Think Randy Johnson or CC Sabathia or David Price or David Price (again) or Max Scherzer. That ain't happening this year. Of course, one alternative to aid a flagging rotation is to shorten games on the back end, and you might have better luck there this July. Interestingly, a lot of the best relief arms that could move have multiple years of team control. David Bednar has shown 2024 to be an aberration; on a Pittsburgh team thinking of trading just about everyone, he looks like a sure bet to move. The Twins probably won't deal both Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, but either can change the way your team gets the final six outs of a playoff game. The Guardians should at least ponder moving Emmanuel Clase, given the strength they possess throughout their bullpen and the year-after-year weakness their offense remains. Maybe your goals aren't as grand this deadline. Maybe all you want is a guy who helps alleviate the anxiety of seeing Shohei Ohtani or Bryce Harper or Kyle Tucker or Juan Soto coming to the plate in the seventh inning with a man on. Maybe all you want is a good lefty, and like a dozen of those guys move every deadline, right? Advertisement Umm… Aroldis Chapman and Reid Detmers are overqualified for this job description, and it would probably be a surprise if either were dealt this month. But beyond those two, there's not a lot to love on the lefty market. Texas' Hoby Milner, Pittsburgh's Caleb Ferguson, Minnesota's Danny Coulombe and Baltimore's Gregory Soto – you can tell we're reaching because we had to remind you which team they're all on this year – are probably the best of what might move. How good are you feeling with them opposite Freddie Freeman in a big spot? (Top photo of Sean Murphy: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
CBC
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Richmond Tavern bartender remembered as a 'fixture' in London's music scene
Social Sharing Musicians and loved ones are mourning the death of a beloved drummer and downtown London bartender, who they say was a backbone of the city's nightlife and music scene. Sean Murphy was a popular bartender at the Richmond Tavern, responsible for booking numerous bands at the city's oldest live music venue. He died in hospital on Sunday following complications from an stomach illness he'd been battling since last year. He was 49. "Sean was our regular Friday and Saturday night bartender so he was always there for the busy shows. He got to know the musicians better every time, and he was your perfect dive bar bartender," said Richmond Tavern owner Mark Dencev, who was also a close friend of Murphy's. "He was comfortable and welcoming, he loved to sling the pints, and he was friends with everybody." Dencev first met Murphy more than three decades ago when the two were teenagers working at a call centre. Years later, it turned into a long awaited reunion when Murphy started working at the bar. A nearly fatal medical episode last summer forced Murphy to take time off work to recover and prompted several bands he worked with to organize a fundraiser concert at the Richmond, which Dencev said was the most impactful outpouring of support he'd ever seen. "We had numerous bands that all volunteered. I could not believe it. We were at capacity the entire event, and it just showed how many people had a connection to Sean and how many people really wanted to support him in this community," he said. Murphy was also a drummer in his punk rock band, the Nervousmen which he started with a group of friends about seven years ago. But his passion for music and drumming dates back to his high school days in the mid 90s, said his best friend and bandmate Steve Bennett. "He really became a fixture in the London music scene and he was just a guy that everybody liked. He was outgoing and he could talk to anybody," he said. "Everybody is sharing photos and videos with him, and it's been really comforting for his family as well to see all the love and appreciation for him online and all the wonderful things everyone is saying." A local legend for London's nightlife Gary Pullin met Murphy when they were in high school at H.B. Beal Secondary School and said Murphy was a reliable friend and his humble personality is what made him unique. Pullin wishes he got to see Murphy drum one more time, he said. "He wasn't starving to be popular, I think it was more about the music and he just loved playing. Everyone that knows Sean has a story, he was really positive and all about music," said Pullin. "He was a straight shooter and just one of those guys that you could always count on." Others who knew Murphy described him as a local legend who was part of the backbone of the city's nightlife. "A steady hand, a sharp wit, and a heart that made room for everyone. From pour to performance, Sean helped shape the soul of London's after-dark scene," The Holy Diver, another downtown bar, wrote in a tribute post on Facebook. The bar will raise a glass to Murphy on Monday night, along with an empty barstool with his name on it while playing Murphy's favourite tunes. Richmond Tavern is also planning a memorial concert in his honour on July 27 and Dencev said more updates will become available on their website. "Sean was the guy I could depend on to take care of things there, and he was the staple bartender that was always there at the Rich, so I miss him greatly," he said. "It's been really devastating."
Washington Post
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Murphy hits two long HRs, Braves beat Cardinals 6-5
ST. LOUIS — Sean Murphy hit the two longest home runs at Busch Stadium this season and the Atlanta Braves held on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 on Friday night. Murphy hit a 437-foot, two-run shot out to left-center field on an 0-2 pitch from Matthew Liberatore for a 3-0 lead in the first. Murphy fouled off seven pitches in a 13-pitch at-bat before hitting a 440-foot solo shot to center for a 5-2 advantage in the third. Murphy and Ronald Acuña Jr. both had three of the Braves' 12 hits.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Murphy hits two long HRs, Braves beat Cardinals 6-5
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sean Murphy hit the two longest home runs at Busch Stadium this season and the Atlanta Braves held on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 on Friday night. Murphy hit a 437-foot, two-run shot out to left-center field on an 0-2 pitch from Matthew Liberatore for a 3-0 lead in the first. Murphy fouled off seven pitches in a 13-pitch at-bat before hitting a 440-foot solo shot to center for a 5-2 advantage in the third. Murphy and Ronald Acuña Jr. both had three of the Braves' 12 hits. Advertisement Enyel De Los Santos (3-2) got the win with two perfect innings following starter Grant Holmes, who allowed five runs and nine hits in three innings. Raisel Iglesias pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 10th save in 14 opportunities — and first since June 24 against the Mets. Acuña hit the third pitch from Liberatore for a double and scored on Austin Riley's one-out single for the Braves' first run. Michael Harris II doubled and scored on Acuña's single for a 4-2 lead in the second. Jurickson Profar doubled following Murphy's second homer and scored on a single by Drake Baldwin for a 6-2 advantage. Brendan Donovan singled leading off the Cardinals' first against Grant Holmes. Alec Burleson had a one-out double to drive in the Cardinals' first run for a second straight day. Willson Contreras' RBI single cut it to 3-2. Pedro Pagés had a two-out bases-loaded single in the third to drive in two and Victor Scott II followed with an RBI single to get the Cardinals to 6-5. Advertisement Atlanta third baseman Austin Riley left after three innings with what the team said was 'abdominal tightness'. Key moment Burlson drew a walk leading off the seventh against Austin Cox before Contreras greeted replacement Rafael Montero with a single. Montero retired the next three to keep it 6-5. Key stat The Braves beat the Cardinals for the 1,000th time but trail by 106 wins in the all-time series — with 18 ties. Up next The Braves haven't announced a Saturday starter opposite Cardinals RHP Erick Fedde (3-9, 4.79 ERA). ___ AP MLB: The Associated Press
Al Arabiya
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Murphy hits two long hrs, braves beat cardinals 6-5
Sean Murphy hit two of the longest home runs at Busch Stadium this season, and the Atlanta Braves hung on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 on Friday night. Murphy hit a 437-foot two-run shot to left-center field on an 0-2 pitch from Matthew Liberatore for a 3-0 lead in the first. Murphy fouled off seven pitches in a 13-pitch at-bat before hitting a 440-foot solo shot to center for a 5-2 advantage in the third. Murphy and Ronald Acuña Jr. both had three of the Braves' 12 hits. Enyel De Los Santos (3-2) got the win with two perfect innings following starter Grant Holmes, who allowed five runs and nine hits in three innings. Raisel Iglesias pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 10th save in 14 opportunities–and first since June 24 against the Mets. Acuña hit the third pitch from Liberatore for a double and scored on Austin Riley's one-out single for the Braves' first run. Michael Harris II doubled and scored on Acuña's single for a 4-2 lead in the second. Jurickson Profar doubled following Murphy's second homer and scored on a single by Drake Baldwin for a 6-2 advantage. Brendan Donovan singled leading off the Cardinals' first against Grant Holmes. Alec Burleson had a one-out double to drive in the Cardinals' first run for a second straight day. Willson Contreras RBI single cut it to 3-2. Pedro Pagés had a two-out bases-loaded single in the third to drive in two, and Victor Scott II followed with an RBI single to get the Cardinals to 6-5. Atlanta third baseman Austin Riley left after three innings with what the team said was abdominal tightness. Key moment: Burlson drew a walk leading off the seventh against Austin Cox before Contreras greeted replacement Rafael Montero with a single. Montero retired the next three to keep it 6-5. Key stat: The Braves beat the Cardinals for the 1000th time but trail by 106 wins in the all-time series–with 18 ties. Up next: The Braves haven't announced a Saturday starter opposite Cardinals RHP Erick Fedde (3-9 4.79 ERA).
