Comments on: Are we better off letting Jason Bay walk?

By: rice4hof

rice4hof — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:42:11 +0000

I’d like to see him re-signed. There may be better options, but we don’t want to be left with a bunch of money that we can spend on a player, and no player available to give it to. As suggested, he can eventually move over to DH. Even tough statistically his defense lowers his value to the team, we survived very well with Manny’s defense out there for many years. I say we lock him up, and if we can sign another star outfielder than I’d rather have the problem of too many players and how to give each of them enough playing time, then need to rely on AAA call ups during the pennant race when someone inevitably ends up on the DL.

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:44:55 +0000

I really like the idea of bringing in Dye (Abreu if we can’t get Dye). I realize that Abreu is quicker. I like that Dye would be able to better utilize the Wall than Abreu. The stopgap just seems to be a bit wiser given that Reddick shouldn’t need longer than 2 years to get more seasoning between AAA and Boston. If he doesn’t seem like he’ll pan out by the end of 2010, as its been mentioned there is Carl Crawford (assuming we don’t end up bidding against the Yanks), and of course we’ll need that money we don’t spend to pursue Joe Mauer (please God). As much as I like Bay, I’d like to see a couple drafts picks and see the FO spend more money on pitching, and not be handcuffed in pursuing Mauer (or others). I’m so tired of seeing the Yanks marginally outbid us for premium talent.

By: JoeSox

JoeSox — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:04:49 +0000

Reddick was just optioned down to AAA apparently, Brian Anderson up. I like Reddick, but I think he needs more time in the minors to really hone his skills.
I think a one year stopgap would be fine, the question is what quality of a player can you really get for 1 year? An aging player? A player coming off a really disappointing season to restart his value? I could be down for an Abreu or Dye maybe, but not sure if they’d take just a single year deal. Tough situation, plus we may need a 3/4 starter next year too, depending on how things work out.

By: Joe Veno

Joe Veno — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:03:59 +0000

Andy, that is a good idea. Maybe release Papi, let Bay DH next year and find a stopgap to either play left or DH. :) Obviously I hope Ortiz starts hitting, but my optimism is low right now, even after that home run last night.

By: Joe Veno

Joe Veno — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:01:05 +0000

Anyone who said three years, I am fine with that. I just don’t know that Bay will take it.
As far as stopgaps, Dye might be one, potentially Abreu. Putting him in left would definitely be better than right, as he lacks range. But whether or not these guys take one year deals is unknown.

By: Minor

Minor — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:56:40 +0000

Well said Bob. I guess people see the salary and hold him to a different standard because of it. Almost any team would be better with him, and if the Sox are going anywhere this year he’ll probably be a reason why.
I floated the name of Johnny Damon months ago in an argument here (under the name Ted) over whether the Sox needed to resign Bay. Jermaine Dye would also fit the bill as a stopgap. But I wouldn’t be ready to hand Reddick the starting role just yet. Obviously he’s a free swinger, which isn’t always a terrible thing if he can make consistent contact which thus far he seems able to do. He will need seasoning, and maybe another year or so in the minors would let him develop into a star.

By: Jack Marshall

Jack Marshall — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:36:23 +0000

Obvious answer: if he can be kept for a reasonable contract, he’s worth keeping; if not, he isn’t. This may be a down year for Bay, but he’s still going to have 35 homers or so and over 100 rbi, plus he seems to be a non-nonsense team player. His decline phase is several years away.He’s hardly a liability in left–he seems as good or better than Rice or Greenwell, and much better than Manny. The Red Sox should keep him if they can, for a fair price. I would think this is a no-brainer.

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:22:34 +0000

I don’t understand all the hate for Drew, he’s not worth the contract but so what? it’s not somethign that can be changed now. His batting average is low, but he has a .830 OPS, he plays a great right field and he’s a great baserunner. He doesn’t do anything to kill the team and he got us to the 07 world series with that grand slam. he’s never done anything to kill this team and people act like he’s a Renteria level bad move

By: Evan

Evan — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:10:58 +0000

Not a bad idea, Andy.
I think that if Bay takes 3/45, you bring him back… but it seems as if people are talking him getting 4/60. I’m not sure if I want to dip my toe in those waters.
The team (rightfully) seems intrigued by Reddick, but I would caution putting him out there for a full year. What if he doesn’t pan out?
Subtracting Bay for Reddick makes the Sox need another power-hitting bat, and we’ve had enough trouble in that area.
My guess is that Bay returns.

By: Colin

Colin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:56:32 +0000

I’d much rather be rid of Drew of Papi (yes I said it even though I love the guy) than Bay. Bay is still a certified Yankees slayer so far and I think he has that ability to crank out a couple runs in most games be they insurance, clutch, or laugher runs.
So I say nay to dropping Bay.