Jason Bay hit headlines with a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, giving Mets fans everywhere hope that the bomb means Bay is back.
The Trail native went a modest 1 for 5 and hit what was just his fourth dinger of the season. Two years ago, hitting for the Boston Red Sox, Bay had jacked 16 out of the park by the end of June.
Since leaving Boston, Bay has been plagued by injury and despite signing a lucrative $66-million contract with the New York Mets he struggled in 2010, hitting a glaringly average .259 average for the season, with six homeruns and 47 RBI. It pales in comparison to his career .280 average, 30 HRs and 99 RBI.
What’s more, this season started even worse. In his first 39 games, Bay hit a dismal .207 with two homers and 10 ribbies. However, since June 11, Bay has looked more like his old self. The left fielder has hit .298 with two homers, six RBI and two stolen bases.
The Mets also have a winning record for the first time since they were 3-2 in April.
But more important, Bay has been great in the field and if he can keep up his current success at the plate, the Mets might finally have the player they were looking for.