A few pregame notes...

• Jason Bay has made it through the first of many rounds of media questions. He seems like a composed individual who is here to work hard and understands what is expected.
• Jason landed at Logan this morning and said he had strangers offering to carry his bags, welcome to Boston Jason.
• Tito has slated Jason to hit 5th tonight against the A's. I'm a fan of this move, but eventually putting JD Drew back into the 3 spot where he flourished might spark his bat.
• It may take a little while for Jason to settle in, but a Red Sox victory tonight will go a long way in making that transition easier.
• If you don't know much about Jason Bay, "Extra Bases" had a great article detailing his background: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/07/the_bay_file.html
• How typical of Manny was it for him to be taking a nap when he was traded. I've heard that he didn't know of the trade until 6pm est.
• EEI also reported today that between last night and this morning, Joe Torre "had yet to reach Manny on his cell phone"...have fun Joe.

Manny goes hollywood...now let's move on

You can't duck it today, Manny has been traded, everyone is an expert and everyone has their opinions about the deal. So now you'll read about mine......

Earlier this morning I emailed some buddies with these thoughts.....I've had some time to think about it and my opinions remain the same:

"A healthy and positive Jason Bay should be much more valuable to us than a disgruntled Manny would be. His effort probably wasn't going to be there for the Sox in the remaining two months. It was a necessary move.

Giving up two current non factor players was more than expected (Hansen and Moss), but national sportswriters are all viewing this by name recognition only. Jason Bay isn't Manny by name, and they are not in the same "class" but:

-Bay was the national league rookie of the year in 2004.

-Over the last three years is averaging .285, 30 and 100 rbi (not too far behind Manny of late).

-Is a better defender (especially on the road), better base runner (averages 12-15 SB's).

-At 29, his best years are in front of him.

-Bay is now in a MUCH better lineup.

-Pitt is a pitchers ballpark. 383 to left and 411 to the gaps.

-We have him for the remainder of this season and next season for "only" 7.5 million. It gives us enough time to get a true evaluation of his ability with the Red Sox and leaves 12.5 million left over from Manny's option next year to pick up another hitter or solid arm.

That said, if Jason Bay can't handle Boston and struggles here while Manny rakes out in LA...look out, it won't be pretty in the Fens.

As much the national scene doesn't like this deal for the Sox, I'm ok with it. I will miss Manny diving to cutting off random throws from the outfield and high-fiving fans....but he simply had to go."

In the end, did we give up a sure fire hall of famer? Absolutely. Will Manny rake out in LA? Most likely. Is Manny at 36, and 37 THAT much better than Jason Bay at 29 and 30? No.....

this seems eriely similar to 04'....