Bay's spring numbers poor, but he feels great
The Mets' Jason Bay strikes out in the sixth inning against the Dodgers at Citi Field. (May 8, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
TAMPA, Fla. -- Jason Bay ended spring training with a .196 average, two doubles, no home runs and no RBIs in 46 at-bats.
But both Bay and manager Terry Collins said the Mets leftfielder is swinging the bat better going into Thursday's season opener against the Braves.
"I thought he's actually swung the bat very well the last couple of days," Collins said. "His at-bats have been good, he's worked the count, he's laid off balls that he was swinging at early in the spring. The bright lights come on [Thursday], so we'll see what happens."
Bay is entering the third year of a four-year, $66-million contract. Slowed by injuries, he has been a shell of the hitter the Mets thought they were getting. He hit .245 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 2011.
"I actually feel great," Bay said after going 0-for-1 with a walk in the Mets' spring training finale. "The last two or three days, I feel really, really good. Obviously, statistically I would have liked things to be better, but once [today] starts nobody cares what you did in spring training."
Extra bases
Dillon Gee allowed one run in five innings and Ike Davis hit his second home run in as many days as the Mets lost to the Yankees, 8-3. Davis' three-run blast off Freddy Garcia was his fourth spring home run . . . The Mets made their final moves official by adding pitcher Miguel Batista and outfielder Mike Baxter to the roster. It's the first Opening Day nod for Baxter, the lefthanded hitter from Queens. "It means a lot to me," Baxter said. "It's an honor." . . . Pitchers Pedro Beato (shoulder) and D.J. Carrasco (ankle) will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list . . . Pitcher Josh Stinson was claimed on waivers by the Brewers.
