THREE UP
1. He’s thrived in a pressurized environment: Playing in Boston isn’t easy — Bay’s success there is a good sign he’d be able to adapt to New York.
2. The simple numbers: Bay put up 36 homers and 119 RBIs this past year and over the last five seasons, he’s averaged .279 with 31 homers, 103 RBIs, 101 runs and a .378 on-base percentage. He’s not a one-year wonder.
3. He’s clutch: This year, Bay hit .360 with runners in scoring position, .333 with two outs and runners in scoring position and .299 in close-and-late situations. And in 14 career playoff games, he’s batted .306 with three homers.
THREE DOWN
1. He’s not exactly a Gold Glover: Jerry Manuel has said the Mets will be focusing on pitching and defense. Bay
won’t help that much.
2. His best years may be behind him: Bay is 31, and while he hasn’t shown signs of decline, that might come soon. The Mets might not be getting as much production as he’s delivered the last few years.
3. The K’s: Bay whiffed a career-high 162 times this past year, and he’s averaged 147 strikeouts the last five seasons.