WEEI's Alex Speier talked extensively with Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay, who is eligible for free agency for the first time after this season. Speier learned that the models for Bay's four-year, $18.25MM deal signed in '05 were the Brewers' deals with Geoff Jenkins and Richie Sexson. In hindsight, Bay could've earned more going year-to-year, but he has no regrets. Bay noted that one benefit of that deal is that it did not include option years.
Bay's agent hasn't had substantive extension talks with the Red Sox, but he remains unconcerned. Bay's stance:
"My agents and the company put together a big fancy package and all that stuff. I’ve seen the numbers. But I understand that it’s a completely different economic time, and that there are some concessions. That being said, I’ve played the game for six years. I’m not looking to set any records. I’m basically looking for what’s fair. Whether it’s here or not remains to be seen. I’m not trying to set a precedent."
