OK, It's A Start

The Mets ARE NOT confirming or denying, but just about every sports news outlet is reporting that the Mets have signed free agent outfielder Jason Bay to a 4 year deal worth about $66 million. There's a vested option for a 5th year that could bring the deal over $80 million.

For the Flushing faithful waiting for the Mets to DO SOMETHING-ok, fine, we have a left fielder. Matt Holliday may be a little better, but the Mets have someone to play left field.

Something to watch out for: It sure doesn't/didn't seem like Bay was chomping on the bit to get here. Remember Carlos Beltran? He went BACK TO THE YANKEES to try and get a better deal. Bay wanted a 5th year and didn't agree till the two sides reached a compromise.

My other caveat: The Mets are quite likely to say, "There's our free agent signing. We spent money." But this team still needs help. You just cannot go into the season with the starting rotation the Mets have as constituted. Even Johan Santana, who should be fine, is coming off an injury.

They need a AT LEAST one more reliable starter to couple with Johan. They need a catcher, and like Bay, Benjgie Molina wants more years and money than the Mets are offering. You can't assume Luis Castillo will hiot in 2010 like he did in 2009. I still wince when I think that the team made NO effort at Orlando Hudson.

So, Jason Bay-welcome. But to Jason-and Mets fans put through the wringer the last few years:don't make your World Series plans just yet.