After a year that included a new stadium where no one could hit home runs, and freak injuries to half the team, and then a postseason featuring two of their most hated rivals duking it out in the World Series, some good news just had to eventually make its way to the brightly lit pavilions of lonely Citi Field.
And today it came, in the form of slugger Jason Bay, who was introduced as the new left fielder by the Mets organization. The 31-year-old outfielder agreed to a four-year, $66 million contract with the Mets, with an option for a fifth season. Last season Bay played for the Red Sox, hitting career-highs with 36 home runs and 119 RBI's. Last year, the Mets' left fielders hit a combined 12 home runs, and a league-worst 95 total.
Bay spoke to reporters, assuaging any doubts about rumors involving shoulder concerns and his desire to play in NY: "I wouldn't've signed the contract if I didn't want to be here or I wasn't happy. This is one of the biggest days of my life...They've got a great group of hitters, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. What's not to like?"
In the spirit of having more than just one pitcher of mention, the Mets Manager Omar Minaya said the team are looking to sign another starting pitcher, with Joel Pineiro said to be their top choice. They also need to sign a catcher, and have offered Bengie Molina a contract to that end. Finally, there have been reports that the team is keeping an eye on recuperating former first basemen Carlos Delgado, who was injured most of last season, and started playing winter ball this past week.
