New York Mets: How Should the Outfield Look When Jason Bay Returns?

Nearly six weeks after picking up a fractured rib in the Mets' double-header with the San Francisco Giants, left fielder Jason Bay is set to return to action.

Ethan Asofsky of MLB.com has reported that the much-criticised outfielder could be back in big league action as soon as this Friday, which could open up some big team-selection problems for manager Terry Collins.

Collins has said already that Bay won't lose his original starting left field job upon his return, according to the New York Daily News, but with an array of different outfielders to choose from, he may struggle to find the player he should replace in the lineup.

One thing about the outfield is for sure: Lucas Duda should be the starting right fielder. But outside of that, the other two positions are a little less straightforward.

Both offensively and defensively, Kirk Nieuwenhuis should be the prime candidate to play in centre field. Captain Kirk simply needs to keep playing regular baseball to continue his development, and if he were to be demoted to the bench upon Bay's return, he may be better off hitting in the minors.

It probably seems like the obvious choice for Nieuwenhuis to start in centre field, but Collins may consider Andres Torres simply to back up the team's choice to trade Angel Pagan for him. It seems silly, but it's possible.

As for left field, Collins should really consider starting someone other than Bay, because Bay simply isn't the most productive player he has on hand.

Though Bay has been better so far this season than he has been in his two previous campaigns with the Mets, Scott Hairston, Mike Baxter and even Vinny Rottino have all had some success with the bat, albeit in less of a sample size.

At this point, Baxter should be out of the running, as he's on the DL with an injury he sustained making one of the most legendary outfield grabs in Mets history during Johan Santana's no-hitter on Friday night.

Rottino should probably stay on the bench too, because as good a story as he is, he's only batting .200 and isn't likely to do too much better.

That leaves the Mets with a more narrowed-down list of combinations to choose from, each with their benefits and drawbacks.

Personally, I'd go with Nieuwenhuis out in left, Hairston in centre field and, of course, Duda in right field.

At this point, Hairston (with six homers on the season) is a bigger power threat than Bay, and that's the main thing that Bay brings to the table.

That outfield formation would also keep Nieuwenhuis in action, which is very important at his young age.

Alternatively, it would be acceptable to have Nieuwenhuis in centre field and Bay in left field, with Bay potentially playing himself out of the role in time for the return of Mike Baxter, who has been very impressive all season and is probably the Mets' primary base stealer.

Terry Collins certainly isn't in a position I'd envy; he has to weigh trying to make up for the franchise's investment in Jason Bay, keeping Kirk Nieuwenhuis playing regular baseball and ultimately fielding the best outfield possible for a playoff run.

We can only hope that Bay steps up and performs in what should be his final chance to keep his starting job.