"Better late than never for Jason Bay.

The Mets have waited more than 1½ years for this kind of production from their $66 million left fielder, and now there is apparently hope for 2012 and 2013.

After going 1-for-4 during the Mets' 6-4 loss to the Diamondbacks last night, Bay is batting .403 (23-for-57) over his last 15 games with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

"I think the obvious point is, 'Why didn't you do that sooner?' Bay said. "I wish it was that easy. You've got to get to that place first, and I kind of feel like now I'm a hitter in the batter's box, and I'm not worried about anything else."

Bay said the fact he has stopped thinking about the end result has probably helped his approach."