Before I gush over Matt Murton, let me just say that I feel rattled staring at my first substantive post in months in the eyes.  It’s the same feeling I got when we first started up Ivy Envy.  I’m an awkward virgin teenager fumbling with the bra-straps of the blogging world.

I want to thank all of you that have followed us to our new home.  Also, we’re honored that some of you have taken the time to listen to the first episode of the Ivy Envy Podcast.  By the way, the podcast is now up at iTunes.

It appears that Matt Murton has possibly landed on his feet with Jason Marquis in Colorado.  Yesterday, Murton hit a 2-run homerun in the 7th inning in Colorado’s loss to the Angels.  He also doubled off a runner at 2nd base in the game.  In Spring Training, Matt is hitting .364, significantly better than the outfielders he is battling with for a spot.  The fact he is a right-handed hitter in left-handed heavy outfield should help him, too.

After an unproductive 2008 season (remember his extra base hit drought?) spent with the Cubs and Oakland A’s, Murton headed to Venezuela for Winter Ball.  In 15 games, Murton hit .321 with 2 Hr’s and 15 RBI’s.  Though he did not get a lot of playing time in 2008, his performance at the plate really seemed out of character to me.  At the time, I wondered if someone in the Cubs system was trying to change his swing.  It appears that Clint Hurdle and the Rockies intend to let Matt do what comes natural to him.

I had planned on hitting a Diamondbacks game on my way back from California this summer, but if Murton earns a spot in the outfield for the Rockies this season, I may just have to come back through Denver and watch the Rockies take on the Braves instead, right before the All-Star Break.

Good luck, Matt.  Here at Ivy Envy, you’ll always wear a Cubs uniform.

Filed under: Former Cubs