According to Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox plan to discuss a contract extension with outfielder Jason Bay before the season begins but after the remaining big-name free agent outfielders sign. The depressed free agent market could lead to a reasonably-priced extension for Bay, if he’s willing. Bay signed a four-year deal in ’05 to cover his arbitration years.
Bay’s agent may advise his client to test the 2009-10 free agent market; he’d be among the best available hitters.