Mets' Fan Rejoice, New York Releases Jason Bay

Jason Bay we hardly knew ye.

The New York Mets and outfielder Jason Bay agreed to part ways, as New York terminated his contract and agreed to pay him the remaining $21 million he is owed over the next several years. This will allow the Mets to spend a few bucks on other free agents this winter, however it won't be a significant amount of extra cash.

Basically the Mets had to get rid of Bay, and Bay had to leave New York. It was a imperfect marriage that turned into a colossal albatross for both parties. Bay spent much of his three years as a Met either underachieving at the plate or on the disabled list with various ailments.

In three years, Bay hit less home runs for the Mets, 26, than he did in his one-year in Boston, 36. He never acclimated to New York, and became an automatic out every time he came to the plate. Perhaps someone will take a flyer on Bay, but let's be honest, the guy looked done as a major league player during his forgettable stay as a Metropolitan.

The Mets will be better off without this slug in their clubhouse, and now they can begin to focus on more important issues like convincing David Wright and R.A. Dickey to sign long term contract. No word on whether Wright or Dickey plan to sign contracts; the Mets did extend Wright's club option for 2013.

Who the Mets will be in 2013 and beyond will be determined by what they do this off-season. They have to show their fanbase a move toward action, and a move toward being a competitive team for once. Their outfield is a mess, their middle infield leaves a lot to be desired. They have no catcher, and a horrific bullpen and a rotation full of young guys with too many question marks.

Sure it is great to release a deadweight in Jason Bay, but the issues that plague the Mets run deeper than one player. It is now year three for GM Sandy Alderson; he has to show some progress for the first time in his tenure as the head of this franchise.