Jason Bay Has Options in Free Agency

The Red Sox have a storied history of long-term, very popular left fielders patrolling the grounds in front of the Green Monster at Fenway Park.

Ted Williams spent 16 years in left field for Boston, Carl Yastrzemski lasted 11 and Jim Rice played 12 years. If you add the eight years of Mike Greenwell's tenure and seven from Manny Ramirez, those five players have spent 54 of the 69 years since Williams' first year in 1940 playing left field for the Red Sox.

Now, that's job security.

Jason Bay has been playing in left field for a season and a half, and for the first time in his seven-year career is up for free agency. Will Bay continue the trend of longevity? On Thursday, Bay spent some time chatting with fans on WEEI's website. The topic of his impending free agency took up most of the chat even though Bay says he's not sure what he's looking for yet.

"There isn't one important factor.", Bay said when a chat participant asked what factored into which team he would select. "The funny thing is that everybody has an opinion of what I'm waiting (f)or or what I'm doing and I don't even have an opinion, and that's the truth."

Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, told WEEI that he feels Bay will be the most complete free agent on the market (the free-agency period won't open until the conclusion of the World Series, and the Red Sox have exclusive negotiation rights for 15 days after that). "I think the most important thing about Jason Bay is that he is truly the most complete player in this free-agent class. I don't think, I know."

Whether Bay takes his show on the road to test the free-agent market or signs quickly to stay in Boston remains to be seen. Rumors are flying that the Red Sox may be willing to spend $60 million for four years to rehire Bay. Not only is that good money, but it would be a nice fit for someone who admittedly loves the atmosphere in Boston.

"Playing left field in Boston is great for a few reasons. The history of the wall and all the players who have played there in past years make it really special", said Bay in the chat room. He's also a fan of playing for Terry Francona -- and there's much to be said about finding a positive player-manager relationship.

One of the criteria not mentioned by Bay in his chat is playing for a contender. The 31-year-old left fielder has it made in Boston compared to the days he spent in Pittsburgh. A quick scan shows that three playoff contenders could be in the market for a free-agent left fielder. The New York Mets and San Francisco Giants could surely offer similar money to Bay if that four-year, $60 million contract is the benchmark. The Atlanta Braves, who likely wouldn't spend that much money, are also in need of a big stick in the middle of their lineup.

A fourth option may be St. Louis, which is another fanatical baseball-driven town. For the Cardinals to throw their hat in the ring in an attempt to sign Bay, their current left fielder, Matt Holliday, would have to sign elsewhere. Holliday is also eligible to become a free agent when the World Series ends.

The options for Bay are plentiful, as you can see. It's hard to think that he's not going to see how much the market will pay for his services. Wherever he ends up, it's sure to be an interesting ride.