This is one of the most essential questions that the Red Sox will face this off season. Who will be manning left field for the team? From past players like Ted Williams, Carl Yasztremski, Jim Rice to Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox have had great play from their Green Monster defenders. When Ramirez got himself traded out of Boston in 2008, Jason Bay took over that duty. Bay posted huge power numbers--just like the other premier left fielders--but his awful defensive play AND his age will come into play as to whether they should re-sign the Canadian-born slugger.
One of the biggest deficiencies for the 2009 club was the defense. Jason Bay, along with Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Varitek and whichever shortstop played (outside of Alex Gonzalez) all brought negative UZR ratings. If the Red Sox care about defense--and trust me, they do--Jason Bay should be the second choice for the offseason--even if he is a fan favorite.
Bottom Line: Jason Bay hustles, hits for power and overall is a real likeable player. The fan base, as a majority, would like to re-sign this player. Depending on Matt Holliday's demands, Bay should be playing left field for a new team next year--even if it is for the team from the Bronx. If Holliday prices Boston out of his range, then the Sox should look seriously towards re-signing Bay for a contract of no longer than 4 years. Bay, 31, is a DH. He hits for serious power, but his play in LF hurts the team and cancels the offense out.
Matt Holliday should be the target. In 2009, Holliday posted an above average UZR of 5.3. Honestly, Matt Holliday is an offensive force, but he is not the best left fielder in Major League Baseball. Holliday typically hits for a high average (.318 career) and drives in runs at a solid pace (592 career). Holliday is often criticized for being an average hitter playing in a small park (Coors Field), but when Holliday switched to a spacious coliseum in Oakland, the Scott Boars client did not hit for much power. During the season when Holliday was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, his power returned.
In December of 2006, the Red Sox forked out 70 million dollars for JD Drew. Some questioned the move, others approved and applauded the signing of the player who replaced long-time great Trot Nixon. Drew represented an offensive upgrade along with significantly better DEFENSE in right field. Along with his OBP% being excellent, Drew fit the Red Sox philosophy of taking pitches and working counts. As we fast forward to 2009, if there is a free agent that fits that same criteria it's Matt Holliday. Holliday doesn't work the counts as much as Drew, but what he lacks in the patience category he makes up for in driving runs in. Holliday, 30, would be an excellent addition to the Sox. He hustles just like Bay and he is a gritty player. If there are any concerns about him and his ability to play in bigger stadiums, it should go out the window. The Green Monster in Fenway Park would be the landing zone for Holliday's moonshots.
The Red Sox should sign Matt Holliday. The line in the sand that the organization places for each desired free agent should be placed at 6 years and 120 million dollars.
Prediction: Red Sox sign Matt Holliday at that exact price: 6 years and 120 million. Holliday takes over as the top paid player for the payroll. 20 million a year for Holliday should satisfy his demands while the Red Sox get a top notch player.
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