Just as we suspected: The Times’ David Waldstein with a story we imagined here (sans attribution or access) days before. Jason Bay indeed says he’ll surrender No. 44 should Jason Isringhausen makes the squad, acknowledging the digits have more meaning for Izzy than for him. And not for nothing, but doesn’t it seem like Bay, beyond his enthusiasm for Isringhusen’s chances to make the squad, is practically begging for a good reason to cash in 44 and start fresh? After a year like he had, I would. And no shame: He’d only be another casualty of the No. 44 jersey, which has brought little luck to its Mets’ wearers, particularly its outfielders.

Bay, according to the Times “said he would see what other numbers were available if he relinquished No. 44.” Let me help you out, Jason: There’d be 45 if you agree to swap with Izzy and 58 (we think) and several of the following group likely to become available as attrition and options play out in coming weeks: 4, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 35, 36, 48 and more. I associate Bay as 38 — his number with the Pirates — and as long as guys are swapping I’m sure Chris Capuano wouldn’t mind sliding along. I could also see Bay paying tribute to a fellow Canadian athlete with concussion issues, Eric Lindros in No. 88.

Here by the way is the updated Spring Roster.

1 Luis Castillo, 2B
2 Justin Turner, 2B
3 Luis Hernandez, INF
4 Russ Adams, INF
5 David Wright, 3B
6 Nick Evans, OF
7 Jose Reyes, SS
8 Vacant
9 Ronny Paulino, C
10 Terry Collins, manager
11 Ruben Tejada, INF
12 Scott Hairston, OF
13 Mike Nickeas, C
14 Retired
15 Carlos Beltran, OF
16 Angel Pagan, OF
17 Vacant
18 Ryota Igarashi, P
19 Raul Chavez, C
20 Jason Pridie, OF
21 Lucas Duda, OF
22 Willie Harris, OF
23 Blaine Boyer, P
24 Vacant
25 Chin-lung Hu
26 Fernando Martinez, OF
27 Boof Bonser, P
28 Daniel Murphy, 1B-2B-OF
29 Ike Davis, 1B
30 Josh Thole, C
31 Vacant
32 Jenrry Mejia, P
33 Taylor Buchholz, P
34 Mike Pelfrey, P
35 Dillon Gee, P
36 Manny Acosta, P
37 Retired
38 Chris Capuano, P
39 Bobby Parnell, P
40 Tim Byrdak, P
41 Retired
42 Retired
43 R.A. Dickey, P
44 Jason Bay, OF
45 Jason Isringhausen, P
46 Oliver Perez, P
47 Taylor Tankersley, P
48 Pat Misch, P
49 Jon Niese, P
50 Mike O’Connor, P
51 Chip Hale, 3rd base Coach
52 Dave Hudgens, hitting coach
53 Mookie Wilson, first base coach
54 Dave Racaniello, Bullpen Catcher
55 Ken Oberkfell, bench coach*
55 Chris Young, P
56 Jon Debus, bullpen coach
57 Johan Santana, P
58 Vacant
59 Dan Warthen, pitching coach
60 Vacant
61 Tobi Stoner, P
62 Dusty Ryan, C
63 Jordanny Valdespin, INF
64 Josh Stinson, P
65 Zach Lutz, INF
66 Armando Rodriguez, P
67 Manny Alvarez, P
68 Brad Emaus, 2B
69 John Lujan, P
69 Vacant
70 Pedro Beato, P
71 Kai Gronauer, C
72 Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF
73-74 Vacant
75 Francisco Rodriguez, P
76 Vacant
77 DJ Carrasco, P
78-99 Vacant

* – Has anyone seen Ken Oberkfell in a jersey?