Why The Red Sox Should Resign Jason Bay

Manny who?

Manny Ramirez was traded at last year's trading deadline in a three-way trade that sent left fielder Jason Bay to the Red Sox. The Sox sure lucked out on that one! Trading a future Hall-of-Famer for an unknown All-Star might have seemed crazy on paper, but in the terms of "clubhouse chemistry", it made perfect sense.

Ever since Jason Bay has stepped foot into Fenway Park and the Red Sox clubhouse, he has brought leadership along with a pretty good bat and a great glove. He must use a different glove brand than Ramirez.

Although contract extension talks have stalled between Boston's management and Bay for now, the Red Sox need to remember how important and vital Bay is to the team. Bay's contract expires at the end of the 2009 season, so Theo & Co. will be looking to resign the All-Star left fielder.

Bay has put up some pretty big numbers as a part of the Red Sox. Last season, after being traded from Pittsburgh to Boston, Bay batted .293 with 9 home runs and 37 RBI with a .370 OBP. Those are some good numbers right there.

So far in the 2009 season Bay has picked up a lot of slack for the previously slumping DH David Ortiz, Bay has 20 home runs 72 RBI but is only batting .257. Although he is only batting .257, he does have a .376 OBP and is playing some great defense and being a leader in the clubhouse.

Bay has proved to be a very flexible player in the lineup, he has batted from the three spot all the way to the six spot. I think he might be a front runner to win the AL MVP Award this year if he picks up his batting average.

Bay is going to be looking for some big bucks this off-season, I hope the Red Sox do give him what he wants and deserves. Bay is a very classy ballplayer who deserves a decent contract. I'm thinking maybe a four-year deal paying about $15 million a year.

Fenway Park should add a fan section called, "Massachusetts' Bay" to compete with "MannyWood"...wait Manny who?