This has not been a good week for the Mets. They are currently on a five game losing streak, and lost six out of seven on the homestand which just ended today. While lots of the trouble for the Mets has been the pitching and the failure to get outs, there is an aspect of hitting that the Mets are missing. The Mets are missing injured left fielder Jason Bay. Many of you who are reading this probably don't understand, Jason Bay had a terrible season last year! How is he a missing piece? Patience, my friends I will explain. While Jason Bay cannot pitch out of the bullpen, Bay is still vital to this team.
Firstly, as I said in the season preview, Jason Bay is a hitter. Hitters don't just forget to hit. Jason Bay will bounce back, and return to his old form, that he was in Boston and Pittsburgh. Yes, Jason Bay had a bad season last year, but it was uncharacteristic for him. That's right- uncharacteristic, that means he doesn't do it! It's not the type of hitter he is!
Secondly, let's say for arguments sake that Bay continues his offensive struggle and doesn't return to his old form. Nevertheless,opposing teams and pitchers are still well aware the type of offensive threat Bay can be. Therefore, the hitters in front of Bay will get pitches to hit, and the Mets will start to hit with runners in scoring position. A large reason of the Mets failure so far, is the failure to come through with timely hits when runners are in scoring position. With that offensive threat that Bay brings, it makes the Mets lineup much deeper, and forces opposing pitchers to throw fastballs to whoever would be hitting in front of Bay.
Thirdly, Bay's defense. Although when Bay was signed, he wasn't signed for his defense, (in fact, his defense was supposed to be a hindrance) he was very impressive with the glove last year. Early on so far, there has been countless defensive mental errors, whether it be not being in the right place, or losing the ball in the sun or the lights. With Bay in left, someone who is familiar with Citi Field, and is an everyday outfielder, the errors might decrease. While Willie Harris is an above average defensive outfielder, Citi Field is large, and he is not yet familiar with it. It is quite clear whoever will be playing for Bay, whether it be Willie Harris or Scott Hairston, neither of them are everyday players, in the field, as well as at bat.
Lastly, his fight. One thing I love about Bay, is that he always has fight. No matter what the situation, no matter what the score in the game, no matter what inning it is, he always puts his all into the game. He hustles and busts out of the box every time he hits the ball, no matter how far, or not far it goes. Such determination is something the Mets need. Terry Collins spoke about the Mets giving up in the late innings, when losing, and not continuing to play with all they have. Bay will do that. Bay will show the team to not give up. Bay will tell them with his actions that it's not over till it's over. Bay will change the attitude of the team.
After last years performance you might think Jason Bay is a small piece in the Mets puzzle. I beg to differ, he is a rather large piece.
I read at one point this winter that an MLB scout said it appeared that he adjusted his swing last year to try and raise his batting average up, and also giving him the ability to hit more doubles and triples, and that if he has a healthy year he'll at some point find that middle point of both average and power. Hopefully the scout was right.