Mets baseball blog

Now would be a good time for Bay to step up

Jason Bay's bunt may have been a good play on Monday night, but it wasn't exactly what most teams are looking for out of their cleanup hitters who are signed to $66 million deals.

But before last night's game was rained out, Bay was slated to hit fourth again as he continues to try to break out of his two-year slump.

"It's extremely easy to keep the same attitude and approach when you have successes and minimal struggle," Bay said.

"When things drag on, it wears on you, that's when you get tested."

If that's the case, Bay still is being tested.

"You have to do what you say and continue to be the same guy," Bay said. "I've been tested, and I take pride that regardless of what happens at the plate, I play defense."

And he refuses to panic, despite his .218 average with two homers and six RBIs. (Post)

Brittle Bay hurt again

It happened late last March, when Jose Reyes landed on the disabled list, Daniel Murphy sprained a ligament in his knee and K-Rod rushed to Venezuela after hearing that his brother was seriously injured in a car accident.

Twelve months later, with a new front office and manager, that familiar pattern has resurfaced in the Mets' world: As the season draws closer, the black cloud forms.

Tuesday morning, with the team about an hour away from fielding its full lineup including Carlos Beltran for the first time this spring, Jason Bay felt discomfort in his left rib cage during batting practice. The outfielder departed for an examination in Port St. Lucie, hoping that the injury was not as serious as it initially sounded; such strains can linger for weeks, meaning that Bay might begin the season on the disabled list. (News)

Bay looking for major rebound

Jason Bay's concussion symptoms are long gone, but questions about his swing are just beginning.

Was last year just an aberration? Or will Bay carry the title "underachieving Mets left fielder" through 2011?

"I just want to get back to the player I know I am," Bay said yesterday after arriving in camp. "I kind of lost that a little bit last year."

Bay, who hit .259 with six homers and 47 RBIs in 95 games, saw his season conclude early after smashing into the left-field fence at Dodger Stadium last July. Bay suffered a concussion and didn't resume baseball activities until September, but with the Mets long removed from playoff contention the decision was reached not to push him. (Post)