News
Bay keeping open mind about future
Red Sox slugger plans to test market in free agency
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
10/29/09 4:59 PM EST
BOSTON -- The filing period for free agents hasn't started just yet. So officially, you can still refer to him as "Red Sox left fielder" Jason Bay.The popular right-handed-hitting slugger did a live chat with Red Sox fans on WEEI.com on Thursday afternoon and remained open-minded about where he will be playing in 2010.
Bay continues to chuckle at the notion that the fact he has a home in Seattle means he would rather play for a West Coast team.
"The window for my career doesn't last forever, so limiting myself to one geographical spot really has no bearing on my decision," Bay said in the chat.
Does Bay have a rough date that he'd like to get a deal done by?
"Ideally, I would like to know where I would like to be sooner rather than later, but [I] understand there is a process to this as well," said Bay.
And for that process, he will rely quite a bit on agent Joe Urbon.
It is still so early in the offseason that not a lot of momentum has built with regard to his contract status since the Red Sox were swept by the Angels in the Division Series.
Players can start filing for free agency once the World Series is over. Bay wouldn't be eligible to sign with a team other than the Red Sox until 15 days after the World Series ends.
Like the rest of his teammates, Bay had high hopes that the Red Sox would have a deep October and perhaps even play into early November. Why did his team get handled so easily by the Angels?
"I can't give you one reason," said Bay. "It was a combination. It was no secret we didn't hit very well. Now do you attribute that to good pitching or poor hitting? I say it was a combination of the two."
This is the first time Bay has been eligible for free agency, so he intends on seeing what is out there. But he continues to speak positively about the season and a half he spent in Boston.
Bay enjoys patrolling the Green Monster, a job previously held by stars such as Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice and Manny Ramirez.
"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," Bay said. "I think that the Monster is a little intimidating at first, but after getting used to it, I really like the nooks and crannies and the effect that it has on the other team and players who aren't used to it."
And playing for manager Terry Francona?
"Really, really enjoyed the atmosphere that he created," Bay said. "Boston is one of those places there is a lot of media and he does a very good job of not letting that affect his decision and let everybody do their job. I really enjoyed Brad Mills also, and wish him the best. He has great people skills like Tito [Francona], and like it or not, that's what a manager needs."
Interestingly, Bay ended his chat in the following fashion.
"This was the first time I've done an online chat and I really enjoyed the questions and the genuine interest from everybody," said Bay. "We'll see many of you next year????"
Bay's question will be answered in the coming weeks, as the Hot Stove starts to burn.
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
