Bay Leads Charge for Red Sox, Again

Tampa Bay Rays in a victory for the Boston Red Sox. It was his second straight game with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" title="Jason Bay has hit his stride with the Red Sox to become one of baseball's elite hitters" width="512" height="321" />

Jason Bay (right) is congratulated by Mike Lowell after hitting a three-run homer against the Tampa Bay Rays in a victory for the Boston Red Sox. It was his second straight game with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Jason Bay was stuck with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a star, yet unknown by those other than fans of the bottom-dweller in the National League Central. Midway through the 2008 season, the Tampa Bay Rays inquired about his availability. Pittsburgh was willing to get a deal done, and it seemed one would as the trade deadline neared. Then, the Boston Red Sox swooped in, thinking so highly of Bay that they were willing to trade disgruntled star Manny Ramirez in order to obtain him.

Ramirez was such an icon in Boston, but, despite his presence in the Red Sox lineup, had overstayed his welcome. It was time for a new era to begin. Bay was welcomed warmly, even though there was no doubt Ramirez was nearly impossible to replace. Unlike the New York Yankees, Boston was satisfied with an unheralded all-star caliber player, and understood that they didn’t need a superstar to fill Ramirez’s shoes.

Bay made a tremendous first impression, as he collected a hit in his debut and scored two runs, then knocked a three-run homer in his second game with the Red Sox. His smooth transition allowed their fans, front office, and players to put Ramirez in the past. He continued to make a name for himself on one of the biggest stages in sports, hitting .315 in his first month with the team.

He didn’t supply the power of Ramirez, but with the stars Boston already possessed at the plate, mind-blowing numbers weren’t necessary out of Bay.

He struggled in the final month of the season, hitting just .260 with 25 strikeouts. He seemed uncomfortable, and rightfully so, in his new home. To take the pressure off and begin his legacy with the Red Sox, he would need to start fresh in 2009, and head into spring training as an integral part of the team in order to adjust completely.

As expected, he entered the 2009 season as Boston’s left fielder—and not just the guy who was acquired for Ramirez. Because of this, he had to feel accepted, now able to play up to his potential.

Bay is no longer hidden in the Red Sox batting order. Benefiting from spring training and new-found chemistry, he has been locked in since the season began. The Canadian batted nearly .500, hit five homers, and drove in 19 runs in April, becoming their best power hitter and an adequate replacement for the future Hall of Famer.

The month of May has treated Bay similarly. Number-three hitter David Ortiz has struggled during this young season, but his anemic offense is forgotten with the presence of Bay in the cleanup spot. Leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury and reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia have picked up the slack, getting on base consistently, allowing Bay to fill the stat sheet.

Bay's ability to perform in the limelight makes him the anti-Alex Rodriguez.

The pressure on his shoulders has decreased, allowing him to relax and become a very clutch player. He has excelled repeatedly in crucial situations, especially against the Yankees. He hit a two-run, game-tying homer in the bottom of the ninth inning off Mariano Rivera, the Yankees hallowed closer. Since that game, a 5-4 Red Sox extra-inning victory, he has gained notoriety throughout baseball as one of the league’s most talented players. Right-handed with a short, compact swing, he has thoroughly punished the opposition.

It hasn’t mattered who’s on the mound nor the situation presented, Bay has delivered whenever called upon. His batting average has increased to .323, while his on-base percentage, .447, is quite impressive. He had a RBI-double and a three-run homer in a 12-run sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians, then fueled another victory, this time over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston was behind by three runs entering Bay’s favorite inning, the sixth. Pedroia led off the inning with a single, and Ortiz walked, setting the stage for Bay. He flailed at a curveball by James Shields for strike one, then defensively fouled off a slider for strike two. Yet, it didn’t matter he was in a hole. He has shrugged off such apparent disadvantages. Prior to this game, Bay had batted .344 with six homers when thrown fastballs. Well, Shields tossed a lifeless fastball into his wheelhouse. Bay made him pay, nailing an opposite field blast off the Sports Authority sign over the Green Monster. He hit the ball so hard it ricocheted onto the field.

This was not a surprise. Bay has become such a star, and such an important player on the Red Sox, that this has become expected—the norm.