Feb 15, 2010 5:18 PM EST

Mets general manager Omar Minaya is looking forward to an "open competition" at first base this spring.

The competition will be between Daniel Murphy and Mike Jacobs, who signed a minor-league deal with New York last week.

Murphy is the favorite for the job, but Jacobs could overtake him if he struggles.

"He'll compete for the job," Minaya said of Jacobs. "I think it's fair to say that Murphy has proven himself worthy of being considered, but he's going to have to continue. It's an open competition."

Via Star-Ledger