Tagged: jason bay

June 9, 2011

What’s up with Bay?

Jason Bay cannot hit. He used to be able to hit. I mean, he can hit. But, why not in the big apple? Does playing in New York have anything to do with it, or is it the stadium? I have a feeling Jason has been asking himself these questions along with management. He just isn’t the same hitter in 2011 as he was in 2009.

During today’s Mets/ Brewers game, I was watching when Jason Bay came to bat, and I couldn’t believe what the tv said. His stats for this season were 2 home runs, 10 RBI, and a .209 batting average. .209! That doesn’t seem to be humanly possible. And, as I unfortunately expected, he struck out swinging with two men on and no outs.

Bay signed a four-year, $65 million dollar deal before last season, and I thought it was going to be a great signing. I should have been a great signing. People get on Carlos Beltran and criticize him for not living up to his contract, but he has done fairly well in New York. Jason has been much, much worse than Beltran.

The Mets need to find a way to get him going. Whether it’s a week off, batting ninth, or even a trip down to AAA Buffalo, he and the team’s management need to find a way to get him going, or cut him.

May 19, 2011

They’re gaining ground

The Mets won their second consecutive game this afternoon, beating the Nationals by a score of 1 to nothing at Citi Field. The Mets now find themselves at 5 1/2 games back of the Phillies. The Mets can gain another 1/2 game tonight if the Phillies lose. In the Mets’ last 25 games, their 16-9, a pretty respectable number for the amount of injuries they’ve had to overcome.

Jason Bay had a great game, collecting three hits for the first time since the middle of last season. Although this is a great sign, as Gary Cohen and Ron Darling pointed out during the game, he hasn’t been able to lift the ball as he has done throughout his career. Bay needs to take it slow and just collect hits. If he can get hits and raise his average, the home runs will come. Plus, hitting in Yankee Stadium this weekend could boost those power numbers. Terry Collins also added that he may bat Jason in the second slot to hopefully get him some fastballs and balls to hit with Beltran and Turner behind him.

Dillon Gee, Dillon Gee! Boy, he couldn’t have been much better today, pitching 7 2/3 innings allowing just two hits, one of which was collected by Livan Hernandez. Gee lasted 5 2/3 innings without allowing a hit. Yet again, the Mets will not have a no hitter. Dillon Gee is a good, solid starting pitcher who can get it done on the mound. Gee may not have the best stuff, but he has the ability to locate his pitches and get the job done. I think it was a mistake to put him in the ‘pen, because of how well he does when starting. He has been proving he deserves to be here. In ten career Major League starts, he has an ERA under 2.50. Can’t get much better than that.

Justin Turner has come through yet again, driving in the sole run of the game. In just over 50 at-bats this season, he has 13 RBI. He has been a key piece to this lineup and his proving himself that when the regulars come back, he needs to stay with the big club.

While Turner has been hitting the snot out of the ball, Daniel Murphy is in the completely opposite direction. He is batting below .240 and as Keith pointed out, he’s “letting the ball get too deep.”

The Mets are headed to Yankee Stadium tomorrow to start a three game series with the Bronx Bombers. The Yanks have been struggling and the Mets will avoid C.C. Sabathia. Go get ’em boys!

April 29, 2011

It’s my time to vent…

The Mets just lost their second straight game tonight by a score of 10-3. The Mets lost a tough game last night, but tonight’s game gives most fans heart burn. Mike Pelfrey was once again comepletely ineffective and had no idea what he was doing (or it appeared that way).

Mike lasted only 4.1 innigs tonight, throwing 71 pitches, but most of those pitches from the second inning on were melons coming toward the plate.

Mike doesn’t appear to understand how to pitch. He NEEDS to bust Howard inside. Someone needs to do it. Brush him back, hit him with a fastball (not the 80 mph slider Pelf hit him with) to send a message. When you do not brush someone off the plate, your bound to leave one out and he can extend and reach pitches on the outside corner. Mike left a pitch out over the plate and Ryan drove it into the upper tank. That’s what happens when you don’t brush someone back, Pelf!

First of all, there is no way Mike should have started the game. He lost around eleven pounds due to the flu during this week. He probably didn’t have the best strength. Dillon Gee needed to get the start. He was effective from the rotation and there is absolutely no way he should have been placed in the ‘pen.

Gee walked some guys tonight and was pitching well against Howard, until he left one on the inner half of the plate, but it had enough, and he went yard and collected 4 RBI off of his grand salami.

It’s not even Gee’s fault, atleast I don’t believe so. He shouldn’t have been brought in in a tight situation like that.

Jason Bay didn;t help things by grounding into an un-timely double play. Also, the home plate umpire was absolutely awful. He missed calls (balls and strikes) and he had a very inconsistent strike zone.

Also…Mike just said in an interview that he needed to tip his cap to Howard for hitting the pitch? Tip your cap? In high school if you get a ball there you’re expected to drive it. Come on Pelf, it’s his job to hit the junk you throw up to the plate.

The two positives: Jason Pridie and Ike Davis’ home runs. Good jobs guys, for what it’s worth.

Another bad taste left in the Mets fans’ mouth. It makes it even more painful when yet again it is Philadelphia who does it. Now the Mets can expect two more losses when they face Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee…Gulp!

Break out the pepto, it’s gonna be a long two days in Philly.

April 24, 2011

Gee stays, Carrasco goes

The Mets won their fourth straight game today, sweeping the D-Backs and finishing this homestand with six wins and four losses. The Mets rebounded nicely from a near sweep at the hands of the Astros.

I’ve been impressed by the Mets’ home run totals lately at the stadium. David Wright hit two home runs today, and Ike Davis along with Bay hit homers yesterday. Ike had three bombs, and I mean bombs during the homestand. Ike proved once again he has sheer power and that he is now a force in the N.L. East along with Heyward, Utley, and Ryan Howard. On MetsBlog.com, the discussion was brought up about the dimsensions of the Mo’s Zone. It probably wouldn’t be a terrible idea, but I hate changing the stadium once it’s been open. And, I really don’t know why either. But, if they did have a shorter fence, Carlos would have had to homers today.

By the way, I love the name Gary Cohen gave the left field wall: The Great Wall of Flushing.

Dillon Gee pitched very well, yet again yesterday. He did allow four runs, but only two were earned and he was affected by a Daniel Murphy error and an Ike Davis dropped pop up in foul ground.

Sandy Alderson announced that the Mets have optioned D.J. Carrasco to AAA Buffalo in order to retain Gee. Chris Young is going to return Tuesday to pitch versus the Nats in Washington, D.C.

I will be sick if the Mets put Gee in the bullpen. There is too much changing of roles in today’s game. Just leave the guy where he has been effective and where he is comfortable. Why mess him up by switching him from a starter to a reliever, then back to a starter. If he can’t be in the rotation, send him to AAA and bring him up when a spot opens back up.

Another option could be to put Chris Capuano in the bullpen, where he has pitched before. That seems to be more logical, to me atleast. The only dilemma is that he pitched great last time out.

April 16, 2011

You Gotta Believe

With the Mets at 4-9, and their pitching struggling, the future doesn’t look very bright. But, I wouldn’t rule the Mets out just yet. I’ve had to convince myself that the Mets can do it, but I really do think they can. Yes, they can, but it won’t be easy.

The Mets have to first figure out a way to get their bullpen in order. When you lose three of four games to the Rockies by one run, you know that they pitching is at fault, considering the offensive numbers that were put up. Is it sending someone down that will solve the problem?

The two pitchers that have looked the worst are Bobby Parnell and Taylor Buchholz. I have been getting somewhat fed up with Bobby, because he just cannot get people out, and he doesn’t deserve to be here. Pat Misch needs to be here. He deserved to make the team.

Dillon Gee may be called up to pitch in Chris Young’s place, as he is still suffering from sore ribs as a result of rib tendinitis. I like Gee, I think he could be successful, as he was last year.

This is the problem that the Mets have to watch out for, keeping the pitching healthy. I think that it is going to be important to go out an acquire someone, to help keep the Mets in it. If they could acquire one or two guys, then get Bay back, they could definitely win some ballgames.

Another thing the Mets have got in their favor is that their schedule is not a back breaker. They play the Braves three times in the next two days, and then have another day off. This could help out the bullpen’s stamina. The Braves are also struggling right now, so the Mets should try to take advantage. On Tuesday, they are back home to play the Astros and D-Backs, then they go to play the Nats.

The Mets have a chance.

Remember Mets fans, You Gotta Believe!

July 25, 2010

Mets Fall to Bums

The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Mets by a score of three to two last night in Los Angeles. The game went into extra innings before Oliver Perez gave up the walkoff, game winning home run to James Loney.

The Mets’ offense had no hits after the sixth inning. The managed only two walks afterwards. Jason Bay had two more hits last night, which is very encouraging. I can tell the slightly adjusted his swing. He has been leaving the bat on his shoulder and not waving the bat. David Wright, on the other hand, has been struggling and is batting under .200 in his last 14 games. Jerry Manuel hoped to get him the day off either today or Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Rod Barajas injured his oblique during the game yesterday and could be headed for the disabled list. Personally, I think it could turn out being a good thing for the Mets. This can allow Thole to get a bulk of the playing time, which I have been hoping for.

And for Oliver Perez, do I need to say anymore?

June 14, 2010

Mets are Red HOT!

The Mets completed a three game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon. The Mets won their first road series since 2009 and swept a road series of three games or more for the first time since 2008.

David Wright is on one of his hot streaks. Sunday, David went 3 for 5 with 2 homers along with a double and 4 RBI. David now has 12 home runs, two more than he had accumulated all of last year. I love it when David can get the power going, especially against the right handed pitchers. The Mets really needed this series…especially the sweep, which is WAY more motivating to the team…I believe.

Jason Bay collected 4 hits on Sunday, including his fourth homer of the year, first the road. Jason Bay needs to start hitting…its vital to the team’s success. Hopefully, he’ll get on another hot streak.

April 29, 2010

How ’bout Those Mets!

The New York Mets will be in Philadelphia tomarrow night to take on the second place Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. And yes, thats right, the Phillies are in SECOND place, behind who? Those Amazin’ Mets!

The Mets finished up a 9-1 homestand Wednesday, only the third time in their history have they accomplished that feat at home. Tey have won 7 in a row and are 0.5 games ahead of the Phils.

The Mets have been playing amazin’ baseball throughout their last 10 games. They have had a great, and I mean great ERA for starting pitchers. ERA: Below 2.00! Cant believe it. They are really showing the critics that they are what we thought they were. Of course, for the exception of, who else Ollie Perez being the only bad spot.

The Mets’ offense has been clicking. Jason Bay is out of his slump, spraying the ball around the field for extra base hits and his first NY Met homer. He has also flashed the leather. From what I have seen, Bay has speed and a great glove. I especially enjoyed his diving catch (though I did hold my breath, waiting for him to come up lame). He has really been a spark.

David Wright struggled in the beginning of the win streak, but has since been lighting it up, drawing walks and hitting the ball really well. He has sparked the Mets the last 2 days versus the Dodgers. Angel Pagan also did get off his slump with a 2-run triple.

John Maine showed promise yesterday, K-ing 9 in 6 innings while working through trouble.

The kid Ike Davis has given the Mets a jolt. He has hit a monster home run and has been spraying the ball which is good to see. He also has a great glove, something Tatis and Jacobs both lacked.

The bullpen has also been great.

Many have said that this is a fluke, but I disagree. Though its early, they are taking advantage of the others teams mistakes instead of allowing them to get away with it like last year. This is a sign of a good team. Just because the Cubbies, Bravos, and Dodgers have been struggling doesnt mean they dont have tough hitters.

Kudos to BIG PELF on his amazing pitching lately. Who could have seen this coming?

The Mets will be in Philly the next 3 games, starting tomarrow night on WPIX.

Lets Go Mets!!!

April 5, 2010

Mets 7 Marlins 1

The Mets opened up the 2010 baseball season today with a 7 to 1 win over Florida. Straw threw out the first pitch to Hojo to start the day.

Santana pitched like his usual self, 6 innings pitched, one run and a few hits. Santana’s change-up was great, especially against Maybin. Thats what makes a Met fan happy. He got out of a couple jams, along with a few 11+ pich at bats.

David Wright started off the Mets’ season and his own by going yard in the first. He took it to the opposite field which is a great sign. Jason Bay had a single and a big triple which started the scoring in the 6th. Gary Matthews Jr, Rod Barajas, and Jason Bay all had 2 hits. What a way to say “Im here!!!’

Fernando Nieve was solid along with Frankie, who closed out the game with a 1-2-3 inning.

I really liked how the Mets played good defensive and smart baseball. They really payed attention to the little things. I also liked the attemted squeeze, which was great although it wasnt successful.

The Marlins had a dismal game in the field. 3 errors in one inning and 2 op-ups were allowed to fall in shallow center.

The Mets will play on Tuesday at 7:10 with John Maine on the mound

February 23, 2010

Jason Bay

Today, Jason Bay answered questions from the media. These were acquired from the New York Daily News.

Jason Bay arrived in the clubhouse Tuesday morning. And one thing became clear: With Jeff Francoeur and Bay, David Wright isn’t going to have as much of a media burden in 2010. Bay spoke about several topics, from his knee’s health to his annoyance with Peter Gammons’ comment that he’d rather play in Beirut than Flushing, to his time growing up playing curling. (His high school had a curling team, but not a baseball team, so he’d have to go to American League games in Washington and Idaho.)

A little strange coming to Port St. Lucie for spring training, even though you were here as a minor-leaguer in 2002?

“It’s always a little bit different. I was traded four times now, and free agency. I’ve walked into new clubhouse before. Actually, this isn’t new to me. I spent a few lovely months here with the St. Lucie Mets. I still don’t remember anything. It was so long ago. I walked in and had to ask everybody out front where I was supposed to go. Like anything, it’s a little different. But once you put the uniform on, the baseball portion in a day or two is normal again.”

Is it different, especially with Carlos Beltran being out, that you will be leaned on?

“I don’t think so. In Pittsburgh it was a different situation than I was in Boston. And I never really looked at it as I was being The Guy that was trying to carry a load. I just went out there and did what I could. … I think given the fact that we have not just myself but four or five other legitimate guys that can lift the offense, it kind of makes everybody’s job either.”

You came from Boston. How much does that prepare you?

“I think it’s huge. I think if I would have come straight from Pittsburgh, like I came from Pittsburgh to Boston, there was a little bit of not a grace period, but understanding of getting used to how everything works. Now I feel like I’m comfortable. That’s one less unknown going on.”

You’re going from probably the best righthanded-hitting park in baseball to Citi Field. Thoughts?

“I honestly never gave a ballpark any second thought. Nor geographically. A lot of people had me pegged as a West Coast guy. I obviously live in Seattle. You get a chance, if you’re lucky, to be a free agent once or twice in your lifetime. Why are you going to limit yourself to a ballpark or a city? I don’t really think that’s very productive. I played in Pittsburgh. It’s not PETCO (in San Diego) by any means, but it’s definitely Fenway over in left field, either. I’m confident with myself. At the end of the day, I try to get on base and I try to knock in runs. If you knock in 100 runs with 10 home runs, so be it. That’s by no means my plan. I just don’t really think the park factor, especially after one year, it’s taken a lot of criticism, but I think you need to give it more time to really feel it out. Never once did it really have any bearings on my feelings at all”

Do you get unfairly criticized about your fielding?

“People have their opinions. There are some numbers that put me in a good and obviously some that don’t. I’ve said it 100 times: I know I’m not Torii Hunter out there. I feel like I’m an above-average outfielder. I feel like I get to the balls I’m supposed to get to. I know my limitations and I know my strengths and I play to them.”

You’ve played at least 145 games a season since 2005. Are you surprised health issues were raised?

“There are some differing opinions once again. I think the proof is in the pudding. You just go out there and play. Those are the things that everybody says you set goals for yourself. I don’t set numerical goals, but every year I set out to play in as many games as I can, because I feel if I do that the numbers will be there.”

Anything bother you during free agency?

“It didn’t really bother me. The only thing, and I don’t read barely anything just because there is so much out there. Peter Gammons’ Beirut comment didn’t really sit well with me only because I never talked to Peter Gammons. If it had been portrayed as that was his opinion, fine by me. But it was portrayed as he had some inside scoop. I didn’t think it was fair.”

How many doctors contradicting what the Red Sox doctor predicted last summer about you eventually needing knee surgery?

“We had a few. Once again, I understand it’s a business. If I have a hangnail and a doctor says we don’t want to do this because of that, that’s their own prerogative. You’ve got to do what you have to do and I understand that. The perception started to be that I was coming down as a broken-down player, which was farther from the truth. I’ve played in a lot of fives the last five or six years. I feel as healthy as I ever have.”

What happened to the Canadian hockey team?

“I knew that was coming. That stung a little bit. They beat us. We were almost kind of out-hearted a little bit. I mean that last goal, that empty-netter by Kessler, kind of proved it right there. Outshot, what, 45 to 19 or 20 or something like that? If this were a medal game we were talking about, I’d probably hang my head a little lower. Being as we have a pretty good shot to get in tonight, I’d still take our chances.”

But you became a U.S. citizen. Root for USA?

“No way. I can’t do that. And I’d never be able to go back home. I’m still a Canadian through and through.”

You have MEDIUM EST NUNTIUS written on your T-shirt. What’s that mean?

“I have no idea. I bought it at Nordstrom’s before I came. I needed some T-shirts for the spring.”

Canuck fan?

“I’m still a Canuck fan. I’m kind of happy to see Roberto Luongo in there. Not that Marty Brodeur did anything wrong. Just change it up. Probably a few Devils fans around here, huh?”

You’re really into curling?

“I played a couple of years when I was in high school. They needed an extra guy. I wasn’t any good. It’s more of an excuse to go out on the ice and sweep around for a couple of hours and get a little exercise, and then drink a couple of beers afterward. I don’t have high school baseball where I’m at. We have curling, but we don’t have baseball-just club teams and travel teams. I lived 10 minutes from the Washington border. We spent most of our time in Washington and Idaho. We didn’t even play any Canadian teams. We were in an Idaho state American League.”