Mets Gambling On Bay To Turn Around Fortunes In Flushing

The New York Mets have been blasted by their fan base for the better part of the off season for not making a big splash in free agency. On Tuesday, the Mets quieted those critics by agreeing to terms with the top free agent outfielder on the market.

Jason Bay is taking his hitting prowess to Flushing for the next four years. The Mets have guaranteed the outfielder $66 million during that span. They are hoping he brings with him his thirty-six home runs and 121 RBI's from last year.

Bay has been a model of consistency during his time in the major leagues. Since 2005, Bay ranks fourth on home runs and fifth in RBI's among big league outfielders. Even with the large dimensions at the new Citi Field, Bay brings a level of clutch hitting with him to New York.

Last year, only Albert Pujols had a higher slugging percentage with runners in scoring position. Pujols carried a .697 slugging percentage, to Bay's .676. The problem for the Mets may be Bay patrolling the spacious left filed at their new ballpark.

Mets fans have been upset with the team's lack of urgency this off season, but General Manager Omar Minaya has stressed patience. He would not go to a fifth year for Bay, but the team did make a fifth year a reachable goal with an option if Bay reaches certain targets over the first four years of the deal.

The fan base has now received what they wanted, a big name bat to play left field. The only question now is how long will it take before the fickle fans decide this was a bad move for the organization.

December 29, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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