Steven Murphy
| AB | 2090 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .266 |
| OBP | .318 |
| SLG | .461 |
| HR | 71 |
- Full name Steven Matthew Murphy
- Born 04/22/1984 in Kansas City, MO
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Kansas State
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Drafted in the 14th round (429th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 2005.
View Draft Report
OF Steve Murphy starred for Central Missouri State's 2003 NCAA Division II champions, then jumped to the Wildcats when Mules head coach Brad Hill did the same. He's a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder with close to average tools across the board, though scouts would like to see him realize more of his projectable power.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Murphy played with 2005 Rangers first rounder John Mayberry Jr. at Rockhurst High (Overland Park, Kan.) before winning an NCAA Division II championship at Central Missouri State and finishing his college career at Kansas State. Murphy is the latest late-round find for area scout Mike Grouse, who also signed Travis Hafner, Ian Kinsler and Travis Metcalf. Reunited with Mayberry in his pro debut, Murphy outplayed his more highly touted teammate and won Northwest League MVP honors. His season ended prior to Spokane's playoff run when he broke his hand in a late-August game. Murphy is a classic baseball rat with solid but not eye-catching tools. He has average power to all fields and a controlled, disciplined swing, and he handles lefthanded pitching very well for a lefty hitter. His speed is just fringe average but he's a smart baserunner who goes from first to third well. Murphy's arm is average and he's a decent defender who fits best in left field. He could stand to be more selective at the plate, or else he could face trouble against more advanced pitching. The Rangers could push Murphy to high Class A in 2006.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Murphy went from a 14th-round pick in June to league MVP. He doesn't have a standout tool but he's average across the board. He showed a good feel for hitting by making adjustments and using the whole field, though he could stand to be more selective. He led the league with 36 extra-base hits and projects to have solid gap power. He's a smart baserunner with average speed, and he can play either corner outfield spot, though his arm fits better in left. "What a great 14th-round draft pick," Gideon said. "Everything's under control. He handles lefthanders well, has pop, can hit the ball the other way with pop. His range is limited, but I wouldn't worry about it because of what he brings to the plate offensively."
