Happy birthday, David Murphy

Happy birthday to former Texas Rangers outfielder David Murphy, who turns 34 today.

The Houston native was a first round pick of the Boston Red Sox out of Baylor in 2003, and was sent to Texas, along with Kason Gabbard and Engel Beltre, in 2007 as part of the Eric Gagne trade.  Murphy became sort of a poor man's Rusty Greer with the Rangers, being the new lefty-swinging gritty, hustling left fielder who was a fan favorite while doing a little bit of everything.  Murphy was a solid outfielder for Texas from 2008-12, before an awful 2013 season led to the Rangers letting Murphy walk as a free agent.

Murphy signed a two year deal with Cleveland after the 2013 season, and was traded to the Angels at the deadline this year.  Murphy is a free agent again, but after a rough three year stretch -- since 2013, he has a -0.5 bWAR and a .253/.305/.392 slash line in 1329 plate appearances -- Murphy may be looking at having to take a minor league deal with an invite to spring training this offseason.