I'm not sure it's a strength. Let's see how well Murphy performs. But my sense of it is that the tandem is more likely to be an asset than a liability. And as I've said previously, I generally favor a platoon at an offensive position because two players remain fresh and prepared. And I think this projected platoon is the ideal type -- with the younger player facing right-handed pitching and therefore getting more at-bats than the older, right-handed-hitting player.

Who can say Murphy will continue to produce as he did? Players who had impact greater than Murphy's in their first months in the big leagues disappeared forever and rather quickly. Joe Charboneau and Kevin Maas come to mind. And Steve Henderson, runner-up in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting in 1977, never matched what he did with the Mets in 99 games that year despite playing in more games in subsequent seasons. But Murphy looked like a hitter. He looked like he had an idea. And he worked at his game. He's a quite serious player. Success hardly would surprise me.

Why fans want more, who can say? Fans readily develop an attachment to a player developed by the club. And that will happen with Murphy if he produces at the level he established in 131 at-bats last season, one at-bat more than the maximum a player can accumulate and retain rookie status. But at this time of year, when pie in the sky is served regularly, most fans put aside realism and dream of Manny Ramirez in left, Mark Teixeira at first base and Derek Lowe and Jake Peavy in the rotation.

One e-mail I received this week expressed this thought: "If the Mets were going for Raul Ibanez, who is 36," -- and they were not -- "why not Manny, who's way better? Three years with an option for a fourth at $50 or $60 million is pretty affordable."

Fifty million dollars is not quite "affordable" for a one-dimensional player who turns 37 in May and has a history of behavioral issues. Ramirez is a remarkable hitter whose presence on the Mets' roster would produce runs, distractions and hysteria. Madonna, Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Barack Obama would be exiled from the front pages of New York tabloids. High risk and reward exists with Ramirez, regardless of his salary.

The Padres have had some trouble shipping Peavy, and the Mets are in real need of pitching. This is possibly too straightforward a thought, but I'm not convinced Mike Pelfrey is ready to lead a ballclub into the playoffs as a No 2 starter. I like him; he's got a lot of potential. But instead of shopping for a No. 4 pitcher or paying loads for Lowe, why not get Peavy? With him, Johan Santana and John Maine in the rotation, it would be fierce and feared. I also think the Mets should give Jon Niese a good chance to earn a place in the rotation during Spring Training. Lastly, what has happened to Philip Humber?
-- Eric P-L., London, UK.

Firstly, Humber was one of the four players the Mets traded for Santana in February. He spent most of the season in Triple-A and appeared in five games for the Twins, pitching 11 2/3 innings with a 4.63 ERA and six strikeouts. Now, Peavy has no-trade rights and never has said he would accept a move to the Mets. And if the Padres weren't restricted in dealing him, who do you suppose the Mets could trade to import such a talent and not create holes in their roster?

Have a question about the Mets? E-mail your query to MLB.com Mets beat reporter Marty Noble for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

I'm wondering how long the Mets will hold on to Luis Castillo. It must have been embarrassing for the team to have him show up out of shape. Is there a way the Mets can move him out and replace him with a younger player?
-- Michael G., Rockville, Md.

I can tell you this, Michael: Former manager Willie Randolph hardly was embarrassed by Luis Castillo's physical condition in Spring Training. He was angry. But Castillo has told the Mets he wants to redeem himself. Now the club views him as it does a player in the final year of a contract -- motivated. I believe the Mets would deal Castillo if they could. But unless that move happens soon, the player they want to play second base, Orlando Hudson, will be unavailable. I don't sense a trade is coming.

I saw pride in Castillo last season. But by the time he was trying to make amends, his body wouldn't allow him to do what he wanted. He's a project at this point.

When do the Mets plan on imploding Shea? I thought they would have done it by now so they could expand the parking lot.
-- Matt N., St. Johnsville, N.Y.

Implosion never was an option, nor was a wrecking ball. New York City prohibits both. Shea is being dismantled, a less spectacular method.

The Mets should pursue Ty Wigginton. He can play several positions, fill in if Tatis or Castillo breaks down, and can pinch-hit. What do you think?
-- Barry W., Brunswick, N.Y.

Wigginton would be an asset only if the Mets had a defined role for him. Chances are he'd get to play in ways you mentioned. But would he play often enough in those roles to stay sharp?

Your reference to Earl Lewis and the Channels -- "The Closer You Are" -- in last week's mailbag shows you have at least a working knowledge of American popular music prior to 1978.

Why is it that the greatest audience participation song, "Don't You Just Know It?" by Huey Piano Smith and the Clowns, is not heard in ballparks? Has it simply slipped from musical history or is there an MLB-approved list? Enough already with "Banana Boat Song" (Day-o) and "Sweet Caroline." I think the Mets need to adopt Huey as their own. Now repeat after me: "Ha, ha, ha, ha."
-- Jimmy C., Chatham, N.J.

Jimmy, I suspect you and I are kindred souls. I'm not the greatest advocate of music at the ballpark -- especially music to escort players to the plate. But I've learned to accept and even enjoy the sing-along stuff. And you're right, "Don't You Just Know It" is ideal. The lyrics, if you want to identify them as that, aren't too difficult to learn. I know nothing of an "approved" list from MLB. So why not?

I enjoyed "Lazy Mary" at least partially because it was unique to Shea Stadium. "Sweet Caroline" was fine, but it was borrowed from Fenway Park. And as a New York chauvinist, I think this city should copy nothing. "I'm A Believer" was fine too, and though it might have been played in other parks on occasion, I believe it was a regular entry only at Shea.

I have urged the Mets to play "Under The Boardwalk" more often, particularly during Sunday games. All of Shea rises up to sing "Down by the sea." And "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" always prompts singing. But "Don't You Just Know it" might catch on even more. It did in bars 20 years ago even among those who knew nothing of it.

Vito Vitiello has a say in what music is played. And a good ear. I'll advise Vitiello of your suggestion and my whole-hearted endorsement.