With Manny Gone, Bay Shines on Sox

The same day that Manny Ramirez began serving a 50 game suspension for using banned substances, the quiet and admirable Jason Bay hit a double to tie the game last night against the Indians and then mashed a home run – in the same inning.

“Manny’s Replacement” has surpassed his fresh-off-the-docks nickname. This year he’s on a torrid pace to hit 40+ homers and 150+ RBIs with an on-base-percentage just under .500. His on-the-field attitude and clean doping record are just added charms. Bay has also slipped nicely into the elite category of being called a “Yankee Killer.” He’s batted .556 with 3 homers, 10 RBIs, with an on base percentage of .708 in the five games the Red Sox have played against New York this year.

Last year when Manny was traded to the Dodgers in a three-team deal, many Sox Fans were skeptical of Bay. Manny has been one of the best hitters in the game (clean or not) and nobody can be as good as Manny was in his prime. When Bay arrived he received an incredible standing ovation at Fenway when he made his first plate appearance, but nobody really expected him to hit like he has. His defense was undeniably going to be better, but fans were not sure if a relatively little known national league batter would be able to hit anything like Manny. What a pleasant suprise.

“He plays the whole, entire game,” said Manager Terry Francona at the end of last season. “He runs the bases, plays outfield, he shows up, doesn’t want to not play, good guy to have around, hit him numerous places in the order, very, very valuable guy.”

Commenting this spring on Bay’s joining last season Francona said, “He came in … kind of a fishbowl where obviously everybody’s looking at him, what he was going to do, and I thought he handled himself with ease and he turned into a good teammate real fast. He made himself so at home I actually forgot this was his first time (in spring training).”

Bay lacks the flair (and dreadlocks) of Manny and in terms of personality might be the exact opposite of Manny, but players and fans are really starting to admire his quiet style.

“He wasn’t the kind of guy who talked too much, but we get him talking,” said David Ortiz.

With this season being the last in his contract, many are expecting Bay to be signed to a long-term Boston deal. With David Ortiz slumping at the plate, his power and presence are more valuable now than ever.

*Lead photo by “Matt”