Steve Popper gives insight from a Mets' official as to the team's thinking in offering Jason Bay a (rumored) 4 year/$65MM contract. Among the notable points from the piece:
The Mets wanted a bat and with Daniel Murphy locked it at first base
Daniel Murphy: .741 OPS. I guess if the Mets finally get a decent left fielder, they need to put the big offensive downside in the only more important offensive position. You know, just to make things interesting.
- They think his swing fits Citi Field.
He's a righty pull-hitter, which (we think) is slightly better than being a left pull-hitter in Citi Field. That's a consideration, but not really a deal breaker. If they really want to get some righty pull-power, and to replace Castillo, might I suggest Jose Lopez.
- Despite the numbers, they like him defensively over Holliday.
- Again, despite what Boras said, they insist he is a better athlete than Holliday.
- Have we mentioned that the Mets don’t have to deal with Boras if they go for Holliday.