21
2011
Mets Need Bay To Hit The Ground Running
An article by 
Update: Jason Bay will be activated from the Disabled List and start in left field for tonight’s finale against the Astros.
I get it. Jason Bay had a major injury last season, as his season ended when he suffered a concussion making that great catch against the Dodgers. But, as we all remember he had a terrible start to his Mets career, as he only had 6 homer runs in 95 games played before he went down. You may be able to attribute some of his struggles to the adjustment to New York, and pressure that comes along with playing in the big City. But he played in Boston for a year and half before coming to Flushing, and was involved in two playoff runs there.
Jason Bay needs to hit, and hit right out of the gate. With the Mets struggles in the early going, they are looking for a spark. This City wants something to get excited about since they have not had that since late in 2008. The fans may be give Bay a grace period of a week or two, but that will be about it. If the Mets wants any fans in the stands come August, Jason needs to help put runs on the board fast.
This City lost both of it’s whipping boys this spring, when new General Manager Sandy Alderson released Ollie Perez and Luis Castillo. They are looking for someone to take their frustration out on, and Bay is just the guy. He has not earned a penny of his 66 million dollar contract yet. With the offense sputtering, and with Bay supposed to bat in the middle of the order, he will be expected to contribute right away. Bay had a monster year in his final season in Boston, as he clubbed 36 homers. Citi Field may not offer a short porch like Boston, but with him playing half of his games on the road, he should be able to hit 20 home runs this season. Jason played in a big ballpark at PNC in Pittsburgh, and still hit 20 or more home runs in all 5 seasons there, including two 30 homer seasons.
Jason Bay is the second highest paid hitter on the Mets roster behind Carlos Beltran. If he does not perform to his capabilities, he will hear the wrath of the Flushing faithful. His bat could make a huge difference in this lineup, especially on days when Beltran has to sit. Bay has a lot of pride and coming into this season, he vowed he would redeem himself. If his contract alone doesn’t make him a target, another poor showing like last season will definitely make him public enemy #1 in New York.
About the Author: Dan Valis
I am a staff writer for Mets Merized Online. I am a Mets team analyst with a focus on the minor league system, as well as the major league club. I am a lifelong New Yorker who was born and raised to be a Mets fan. The ups and downs of being a Mets fan is what makes following this team so much fun, but at times so frustrating. You can follow me on Twitter @BgAppleMetsTalk.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 24 | 18 | .571 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 20 | .535 | 1.5 |
| Phillies | 20 | 23 | .465 | 4.5 |
| Mets | 16 | 24 | .400 | 7.0 |
| Marlins | 11 | 32 | .256 | 13.5 |
Last updated: 05/18/2013
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So in other words….Pressure is on you again to hit.
Adjustment to NY? He hit a lot better here than on the road. All these expensive past their prime free agents have to “adjust to NY.” How come none of our rookies coming from thriving metropolises like Buffalo or Binghamton have to “adjust to NY?”
I think it had a lot more to do with adjusting to a whole slew of of players that were either well compensated and past their prime, or players that were too young or lacking in talent in the lineup. Older players here on their last contract or younger players not yet ready to contribute.
Lets face it Francouer, Barajas/Thole, Tejada/Castillo, and the pitcher isn’t exactly the kind of lineup he hit in the last couple of years.
He hit in worse when he was with the Pirates.
Yes he did Vinny. Four years ago. When he was trying to prove himself rather than trying to live up to the big contract. When he was in his physical prime, before he started pressing to live up to the big contract.
If he has 50 extra base hits I’ll be both happy and surprised. I’m thinking more like .250 40 extra base hits 150 K’s if he can stay on the field, tops. Tops.
Neither of us have a crystal ball and I’m sure you feel he’ll do a lot better than that. We’ll see but it will require actually doing it, not would have done it if not for this that and the other thing.
I think Bay’s an OK player. I’ll be rooting for him but there is no way in the world he pushes our outfield offense up. At most he’ll be an average LFer.
i would bat Bay seventh, behind pagan.
Jason Bay is the second highest paid hitter on the Mets roster behind Carlos Beltran.
AND the least productive starting player on the team since day we got him!
Oh listen to your words little metsies. YOU HATE YOURSELVES… love it.. what a sick hapless bunch. No wonder the Flushing dump is so empty. Who’d want to sit near haters like yourselves.!!!
“This City lost both of it’s whipping boys this spring, when new General Manager Sandy Alderson released Ollie Perez and Luis Castillo. They are looking for someone to take their frustration out on, and Bay is just the guy….”
I get it now, Mets fans will never be happy unless there is someone to HATE on the Roster!
So much so we LOOK for the next guy to run out of town instead of just hoping he comes back and becomes the Hero!
There are an awful lot of Mets fans who sure seem to sound an awful lot like Phillie fans!
Bay just has to accept that he plays in a big park and adjust. He can, as stated before, hit more doubles, extra base hits and still drive in over 100 runs without having to hit 30 HR.
Just make the mental adjustment and take what Citi field offers, no excuse after one year to let a ball park take away your approach at the plate, hit line drives and you will succeed.