As I have stated for the past couple of weeks, I love the Mets signing of Jason Bay. This is a great move and let me tell you why.
1- He is a 25 homer-100 rbi Left fielder. Like the 2008 offseason, the Mets had a major need that GM Omar Minaya filled.(Closer in ’08) Line-up and fit wise, this is perfect.
2- Bay thrived in Boston. He can handle pressure. Listen, I am Boston born and breed, Playing Left Field for the Red Sox is the equivalent of manning Center for the Yankees. They had 3 Hall of Famers in the spot for 40 straight years, then Manny Ramirez for 7 more at the turn of the century. That is pressure and he put up a career year. A good sign for the fans at Citi-Field. (BTW- this was not a great Red Sox line-up- David Ortiz was terrible for 2 months, Mike Lowell was coming back from major injury and Jason Varitek is in severe decline. Bay carried this team at times)
3- Although Matt Holliday played well in St. Louis(13,55,.353, 1.023 OPS) he struggled tremendously in Oakland(11 homers,54 rbi, .286 batting average,.832 OPS in 346 AL at bats). He could not handle the American League and to me, that is a big deal when you compare the top two free agents on the market.
4- Financially, I think this deal makes sense for all involved. The Mets did not over pay and Bay’s salary is almost exactly what he is worth. Even the years make sense. Good job by both the representatives for Bay and Minaya.
5- Like him or not, SS Jose Reyes is the key to the Mets. The straw that stirs the drink or Energizer bunny, he is vital to the success of this club. Bay played with Reyes in the minors and the two are said to have a good relationship. This cannot hurt.
6- Boston let him walk. For all of the media falling all over themselves to say how great Red Sox GM Theo Epstein is, his batting average on free agency is not great. Particularily, when it comes to his own. He let Johnny Damon, Orlando Cabrera and Derek Lowe walk. Bay is about to top all of them with a strong showing at Citifield.
7- I covered this guy while he was on the Pirates. He is a good outfielder, plays hard and is a great locker room guy. When u watch him everyday, you will appreciate him more. How sold on him is this blogger? I picked him to win the AL MVP last year!
Other thoughts on the Mets-
1- Looks like the Mets are looking at 3 things- inning eating starting pitchers, a starting C and veteran option at 1B. Many reporters see NY avoiding injury prone risk-reward types(Ben Sheets, Erik Bedard) and targeting a Jon Garland, Joel Piniero or Doug Davis.
2- Lots of noise about bringing veteran 1b Carlos Delgado back. He is not seeking crazy money and would make sense platooning with 2nd year man Daniel Murphy at 1B. I also like veteran Ryan Garko as an option.
3- Still think free agent C Bengie Molina ends up in Queens. Makes too much sense for all involved. Mets need to be careful to not go past 2 years with uber prospect Josh Thole close to ML ready.
4- Lots of noise on 2B Luis Castillo being moved. Latest has him going to Boston for veteran 3B Mike Lowell. Strange rumor, Mets have a 3b most people have heard off. Where would he play?
