A day after promising “a major Mets announcement”, WFAN’s Mike Francesa reported today that free agent OF Jason Bay has signed with the New York Mets pending a physical exam, after one of the more extended, awkward courtships in recent memory. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman tweeted that Bay’s pact is for4 years and $66 million, with an easily attainable vesting option in place for the 5th year. If Sherman’s correct, Bay left Boston — and a far more hospitable hitter’s park — for a guaranteed $6 million.
The above acquisition comes at a time the Mets are struggling to convince ’09’s full and partial season ticket plan holders to renew, and while Bay’s name in the lineup inspires more confidence than say, that of Nick Evans, it’s a curious move given Citi Field’s requisite priorities of pitching, speed and defense (though Bay does have his defenders). If the Wilpons managed to find $16 million + to pay Bay next season, how much would it cost them to erect an 10 foot high chain link fence, 15 feet in front of Citi’s left-field wall?