More Jason Bay …

Just to add fuel to the many debates about the trade:

Stats for Bay this year
.282 avg
22 hr
64 rbi
72 runs

Stat’s for Manny
.299 avg
20 hr
68 rbi
66 runs

These make the deal look a little more even.  And if you had to make a choice on who has the most potential in a Sox uniform?  Not manny the way he’s played this week.

Bay to the Red Sox as part of the Manny Ramirez Deal

So Jason Bay was dealt, and what a deal!  As part of the Manny Ramirez to L.A. deal, Bay goes from the fire-sale Pirates to the playoff contending Red Sox.  I’m sure he’s not complaining. 

The former rookie of the year will now be part of a formative lineup and be part of this year’s playoffs.  Since being the ROY, he’s struggles in Pittsburgh but now has the opportunity to have his career flourish.  A good trade for Bay, and a good trade for Boston.  I’m sure many of the Boston fans may be weary of the trade, but once they get to know Jason Bay and his potential, they’ll be happy.  Fram a very non-team player to the pinnacle of a team player.

The 2008 playoff picture just got very interesting.

Canada’s All-Stars

Tonight begins baseball’s mid-summer classic, the All Star Game and Events.  With the ever popular home run derby taking place tonight, Canadian’s can cheer for BC native Justin Morneau who represents the Twins in the event.

Tomorrow night’s game has a few Canadians in the line-up, although none are starters.  The NL side includes L.A. Dodgers’ catcher Russ Martin and Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, with Justin Morneau the sole AL player.

Three Canadian players are not a lot, but this is probably a fair representation given the year a lot of Canadian players are having.  Francis and Bay are experiencing off-years, and even though some players like Joey Votto and Matt Stairs are having good years, they’re not all-star caliber.

Phillipe Aumont (Mariner’s #1 draft pick) was the lone Canadian in the futures game.  Although these numbers look a little bleak for Canadians in the game, there’s not only a solid core in the majors right now, but a growing number of prospects making their way through the minor system.  With the growth we’ve seen in the past few years, I think it is safe to expect more in the future.  Maybe we will look back at 2008 as an off year, but of course, it’s not over yet!

Jason Bay to … ???

It looks like Pittsburgh is serious this time about trading Jason Bay.  The BC native has been rumoured to be on the trading block before, but now the Cardinals and the D-Back’s look like the top contenders to acquire the outfielder.

I’m biased as a Cardinal fan to think that they have a good chance of getting him, although the sticking point in that trade will be Colby Rasmus.  The up-and-coming outfielder has thought to be untouchable, but it seems that Bay is making the Cards reconsider.  The D-Backs might have to give up their 2nd baseman prospect Bonifacio, but that could leave a big hole in the infield if current 2B Orlando Hudson leaves at the end of the year.  Xavier Nady also appears to be on the way out of Pittsburgh, so he may factor into the decision making.

Let’s hope Bay can go to a team that appreciates him and can showcase his abilities to the rest of the league.  He’s a strong player, one of the top Canadians in the league, and it would be great to see him on a contender.