He had already been dropped from the cleanup spot in the batting order to 6th. Bay figured he was going to be dropped to 7th or 8th or possibly sent to the bench. This, after all, is what happens to non-performers at the major league level.
What he wasn't prepared for was that he was optioned to the sales department and told he would be hawking knick-knacks or hot dogs in the 100-120 sections of Citi Field during the first six innings of home games on the next home stand. After inning six he is to report back to the dugout for possible pinch-hitting duties.
As Bay tells the story. "Terry has been patient with me and I understand something had to be done. Frankly, this seemed a bit over the top to me but whatever....."
Collins told the media, "Jason just needs to step back and get a different perspective on the situation. We think a few weeks of selling dogs and watching from the stands will get his competitive juices flowing once again. And it's not like we don't think he can contribute off the bench. Even with his terribly low batting average and frequent strikeouts we still see him as a more viable right handed option than Scott Hairston."
Bay observed, "It could have been worse. I like hot dogs and will give this new role everything I have. Just think, it could have been peanuts."
All articles featured on The Apple are fictitious. No Mets were harmed in the writing of this story. Story by Larry Smith. You can follow Larry Smith on twitter @dr4sight
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