MLB

After 2009 bust, Mets’ 2010 could be like … Wright and Bay

PORT ST. LUCIE — Jason Bay probably won’t remember anything about his Mets Grapefruit League debut other than the brisk wind that made for a chilly afternoon at Tradition Field.

But if David Wright has a huge season, everyone can say the Mets third baseman’s first spring at-bat set the tone. Wright used the wind to carry a ball over the right-field fence in the first inning yesterday, the most promising sign in a 17-11 exhibition victory over the Cardinals.

Bay went 0-for-2 with a walk as manager Jerry Manuel got most of his starters into the lineup for the first time.

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“Opening Day and the opening day of spring, those are the only two days different than the ones that follow it,” Bay said. “Whether it’s a team you’ve been on for 10 years or a new team, it’s always a little bit different.”

Bay, who followed Wright in the lineup, struck out in his first at-bat before walking in the third inning and popping out in the fifth.

Though expectations are high for the $66-million left fielder, Bay said he doesn’t care about spring-training numbers.

“I’ve done spring trainings where I think I’ve had two hits and gone springs where I’ve hit [great],” Bay said. “If a guy goes up there and gets three hits he’s excited, but if you don’t, you got your work in.

“It’s about getting ready for the season, and for me I like to see a lot of pitches. Get a feel of being in the batter’s box and see a lot of pitches.”

Before Bay saw his first pitch, Wright came to the plate with the Mets already ahead 1-0 and drilled a pitch from Evan MacLane to right. The ball kept going and easily cleared the fence for a two-run homer.

But Wright wasn’t about to call it an omen for 2010.

“I think I’d be pretty good if the wind was blowing out as hard as it was today, if it was like that every day,” Wright said.

One thing seems certain: Wright will benefit from having Bay hitting behind him in the lineup. Manuel is expected to open the season with Jose Reyes, Wright and Bay in the 3-4-5 spots.

Wright wants to drive the ball more this season after hitting only 10 homers in 2009, when he appeared intent on slapping the ball to the opposite field.

“I thought today he had some of the better swings I’ve seen him have in a long time,” Manuel said. “I thought all his at-bats looked like there was a threat he was going to hit the ball hard somewhere. He was in a good position all day.”

As tempted as Bay might have been to take advantage of the wind after watching Wright’s ball land, he resisted.

“I realize the wind is blowing out that way, but just like the ballparks: If I’m trying to manipulate myself to certain external factors, you get out of your strengths,” Bay said.

After two days of settling for individual workouts, when many of the team’s reserves and minor league players saw action, Wright was glad to finally begin spring training play.

“A lot of it is just standing around and firing up and then sitting down for a half-inning and then going out there and trying to get loose again,” he said. “That’s kind of a big thing of getting in game situations.”

mpuma@nypost.com