Jason At Bay For Two More Weeks

According to Sandy Alderson, Jason Bay is unlikely to return to the Mets before April 26th.

This news completely conflicts with manager Terry Collins’ suggestion earlier this week that Bay would return this weekend “in a perfect world”.

Well, in a “perfect world”, the Mets wouldn’t be languishing in last place, either.

I’m not sure what prompted Collins to make that comment — even if it was empty and ambiguous — but it sure smells similar to the disconnect between the front office and field manager of the previous regime.

Am I picking a fight here? Maybe. But there isn’t much else to talk about right now without bringing up the fact that the Mets stink have been disappointing of late. So perhaps I’m trying to divert the attention away from the on-field ineptitude.

In related news, Ronny Paulino is expected to return around the same date — which is in line with his status on the 15-day disabled list as of April 10th. Per Alderson:

“I think there’s probably less uncertainty surrounding Paulino,” Alderson said, noting that Paulino still must undergo one final round of blood testing. “In terms of his physical condition right now, that looks like a pretty firm date.”

So, Paulino’s return by the 26th is pretty much a certainty. Meanwhile, Bay’s status is a definite maybe.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. Izzy April 13, 2011 at 8:53 am
    I wonder if the Mets will try to pick up the DFA’d David Purcey since he was a Ricciardi draft pick. He had decent numbers last years but was horrid to start the year. But, on the other hand could he be less relaible than Byrdak? Or are 2 undependable lefties better than one?
  2. gary s. April 13, 2011 at 9:14 am
    i predict before jason k’s contract expires it will make the ollie and looie castillo contracts look good.I hated those signings from day one.I honestly thought Jay k would put up decent numbers for a few years.Of course, that was before i saw his swing and his propensity for strikeouts and hitting ground balls to shortstop
  3. xDanTanna April 13, 2011 at 10:07 am
    There does sound like perhaps a bit of a disconnect. Although Alderson on w/ Francesa Friday said everything but guarantee Bay would be back in Atlanta. Why do I get the feeling we are not exactly being told the truth in regards to an injury once again? I am not saying that is the case. But, I can’t help but feel nothing has changed there. From the losing mentality message the manager is preaching “1 ball / 1 strike from being 8-2”, “we are in every game” to the injury stuff once again it is like Deja-Vu.
    • xDanTanna April 13, 2011 at 10:09 am
      1 pitch / 1 hit is what i meant to say. Need my Coffee 🙂
  4. Walnutz15 April 13, 2011 at 10:36 am
    Unfortunately, something like this will probably nag at Bay – even on a “best case” scenario.

    I’m just hoping it’s not more serious than it was initially made to be…..which it already is, IMHO.

    I like Jason Bay. Injuries happen in all sports, for sure…..but they certainly are annoying when they routinely happen to the most relied-upon players on your roster, year-after-year. (LOL, uncanny.)

    Nobody to “blame” here, really – just general commentary on the situation as a whole.

    What I’m most concerned about is Bay potentially becoming an “injury-prone” player throughout the duration of his Met contract. The biggest concern – pre-contract – was with the condition of his knees….and we haven’t even dealt with anything knee-related yet.

    What we do know? Bay’s making it VERY hard on himself to live up to the expectations the fans are going to be putting upon him — realistic or not.

    Rough, rough spot to be in…….especially in NY for a team that might not be going anywhere for a few years.

    • xDanTanna April 13, 2011 at 10:53 am
      From that aspect you mentioned w/ Bay being hard on himself & everything. I kinda feel bad for the guy. Because you figure if everything goes well and he is back say the end of April. When you take last years missed time into account. He really has not seen much live action in a long time. You did have ST, but now it is almost like starting from scratch. It may take a him till sometime in June to find his groove & w/ the likely hostile atmosphere at Citi Field. It is not going to be easy for him to get in that groove. You hate to say it; but 2011 (year 2 of 4) may be another lost season for Bay.
  5. gary s. April 13, 2011 at 11:17 pm
    2011 starting to look like a lost season period.Btw, citicavern’s dimensions cost pagan a homerun in the 7th that would have tied the game.A lot of people have disagreed with me in the past about the absurd dimensions in right center, but i still think when u hit a ball 405 feet to right center, you should be trotting around the bases.That said, i’m going to the doubleheader tomorrow, we need dickey to pitch well in the opener or we could be looking at a sweep.Just to make the nite a total loss, my rangers lost in overtime.. good nite folks.