What are ya gonna do?
Written by Joe Veno on November 19, 2009 – 7:08 PM -When the Red Sox offered Jason Bay four years, $60 million, they offered more than enough for the defensive liability that is Jason Bay. Bay quickly declined, and decided that his best interests are exploring the free agent market.
Fine.
Bay was given a very fair, make that more than fair contract offer, and he chose to see what else is out there. Whether that be for location (he’s from the northwest), or for financial reasons (another team may make the mistake of giving him too much).
Bay can hit, and he can hit anywhere. We know that. But we also know that his skill-set doesn’t age particularly well. He can’t play defense, and is a corner outfielder that may need to be a DH to not hinder his teams chances down the road. He walks back to the dugout often without putting the ball in play. And he struggles with the breaking stuff.
Simply put, at age 35, Bay may be simply taking a roster spot that could be used more resourcefully, especially for the money he might be getting paid.
With that being said, the Red Sox have a need, and they have the ability to flex their financial muscles when needed, at least in most cases. If Bay doesn’t play left field, then who?
Matt Holliday? Many questions lingering around him, and more money involved.
Josh Reddick? After he performs consistently in the minors, then give me a call.
A platoon? Talk to me AFTER Jeremy Hermida learns how to use his God-given skills.
They could take a chance on something, and if it works, then it works. If it doesn’t, then so be it.
Bay is the safest, for he is a known quantity, but he too brings much risk.
Reddick and whoever else is in the minors would be the most financially sensible plan, but they too have questions.
If Bay doesn’t want this contract, the Red Sox should not budge at all. They have more important things in mind.
And that is the future…
Tags: Boston Red Sox, Jason Bay, Jeremy Hermida, Josh Reddick, Matt HollidayPosted in Boston Red Sox | 3 Comments »
November 19th, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I wonder how long it will take before he decides to come back and take that offer. of course the mets are desperate and Omar is going to be on a very short leash. they need to make a splash and knowing the mets they will base their moves on how they look rather than how best a player might fit a team or a ballpark. I can’t really see any right handed hitter being all that overjoyed to be playing in Citi Field. they might go for 5 years though.. anyway i wonder if anyone is going to get over 100 million this year…
November 19th, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Whoever gets over 100 million will be getting far too much…
November 20th, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I doubt Bay sees a better offer on the open market.