Bay makes expected exit from Boston

BOSTON -- Jason Bay's entrance to Boston -- made possible by a blockbuster trade for Manny Ramirez -- was far more dramatic than his all but inevitable exit, which unofficially occurred on Tuesday amid reports he has reached a four-year deal with the Mets, contingent on a physical.

In truth, the Red Sox had all but moved on from Bay two weeks ago when they signed free agents John Lackey (five years, $82.5 million) and Mike Cameron (two years, $15.5 million).

Lackey gives the Red Sox another front-line starter, while Cameron provides some of the punch that Bay takes with him to New York. Cameron will take Bay's starting outfield slot, though it is possible he will play center with Jacoby Ellsbury moving to left.

The Red Sox will take a hit offensively with Bay's departure, but they are planning on making up for it from a run-prevention standpoint. Lackey's arm should help greatly in that regard. And so does the defense of not just Cameron, but also shortstop Marco Scutaro, who signed in early December.

Though things are still in limbo with Mike Lowell -- a trade to the Rangers fell through for medical reasons -- chances are that Casey Kotchman, a superb defender, will spend a lot of time at first for the Red Sox, with Kevin Youkilis moving across the diamond to third.

One of general manager Theo Epstein's main objectives heading into the offseason was to improve his defense, which was regarded as one of the worst in the Major Leagues in 2009, according to formulas used by the club.

A solution could come in free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, who the Sox are pursuing, according to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com. But signing Beltre would put the Red Sox over the luxury tax threshold.

The Red Sox, however, reportedly intend to remain in contact with Scott Boras, Beltre's agent, after the first of the year.

With Bay gone, the Red Sox aren't likely to replace his production this winter. Matt Holliday is still out there on the market, but after the signings of Lackey and Cameron, the Red Sox don't have that type of flexibility left in their payroll to make another impact signing.

When Epstein ultimately went for Lackey and Cameron instead of Bay or Holliday, the biggest deciding factor was that he felt it would be more realistic to acquire a big bat at the Trade Deadline than an upper-echelon arm.

On July 31, 2009, Epstein was able to get Victor Martinez from the Indians. The year before that, he got Bay, albeit at the expense of Ramirez.

"I think our run prevention overall is going to be really solid. We like our lineup, and this puts us in a position to have some flexibility if we need to make a move down the road to have some offense," Epstein said on the day the club unveiled Lackey and Cameron.

"If you're bold in free agency and there's mutual interest, maybe you can add somebody like John Lackey to your club. It's certainly not something you can necessarily count on doing in the middle of the season. We like the position we're in right now. We have some depth, some options and some flexibility going forward."

So with a loaded rotation, a solid bullpen and a lineup that still includes the likes of Martinez, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz, the Red Sox think they can hit enough to stay right in the thick of the race through the first four months. And if a move needs to be made in July, Epstein will try to make it.

The Padres are a team all Red Sox fans should pay attention to in the first half, because if they fall out of the race, perhaps Adrian Gonzalez will be made available.

As for Bay, he made a memorable impact for a player who only played a season and a half at Fenway.

In large part because of Ramirez's unceremonious exit from Boston, the home crowd instantly treated Bay like a hero. And he lived up to it, fueling the Red Sox's 2008 stretch run by hitting .293 with nine homers and 37 RBIs in 49 games. Bay stepped his game up even more in that year's American League Division Series against the Angels, hitting a pair of pivotal homers.

But 2009 was Bay's first full season in Boston, and he made the most of it, clubbing 36 homers and driving in 119 runs, both career highs.

Epstein and Joe Urbon, Bay's representative, tried working on an extension as early as last March, but common ground could not be reached. They got closer at the All-Star break, with the Red Sox reportedly extending their offer to four years at $60 million at that time. Again, no agreement was reached.

The club made little to no headway with Bay once free agency started this winter. In the end, his deal with the Mets -- reported to be four years at $66 million -- was roughly $1.5 million a year more than Boston's best offer. What probably put it over the top was the chance for a vested fifth-year option, something the Red Sox apparently weren't comfortable with.

Some reports have suggested that Boston had some concerns about how Bay would hold up physically over the next few seasons, but it should be noted that the left fielder has been a durable workhorse the last five seasons.

In the end, both sides decided to move on after a successful year and a half together.

Laird brothers arrested

Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and his younger brother, Brandon, a prospect in the Yankees' Minor League system, were arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly conduct on Wednesday in Phoenix, according to Phoenix police.

The two ballplayers, plus another man, were arrested following a brawl after a Phoenix Suns game at U.S. Airways Arena. The incident took place at an arena lounge.

Gerald Laird, 30, was cited for assault, while Brandon, 22, was cited for disorderly conduct, police said in an Associated Press report.

Also arrested was Gregory Scott Collins, 51, on suspicion of assault after the Suns beat the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

"While [security guards] were trying to arrest the suspect for disorderly conduct, the [Laird brothers] interfered and assaulted the security guards," Phoenix police Sgt. Andy Hill told the AP.

Security previously had spoke with the men about their loud behavior, Hill added.

Gerald Laird and his family live in Peoria, Ariz. Brandon Laird is an infield prospect with the Yankees. He played for the Surprise Rafters in the Arizona Fall League.

New year means baseball season is close

It's the first month of the new year and the holiday season has yielded to the Halladay season. Spring baseball will soon be upon us.

Events once tagged "To Be Announced" have been announced. The dates once labeled "To Be Determined" have been determined. The questions that remain for those across the Baseball Nation will be answered on the field and, in some cases, at the ballot box, during the next 12 months.

That's right, it's that time of year again. Pitchers and catchers report in February and Opening Day is only a few short months away. Now, we know exactly when new Phillies ace Roy Halladay will make his return to Toronto. The teams that believe they have a date with destiny can now start flipping through the calendar in earnest.

Let's Play Ball! Or at least play catch.

Here's a look at the key dates for the upcoming 2010 season.

Hall of Fame balloting announced -- Jan. 6:
The first big event of the year is arguably the most important. The Class of 2010 is announced. Let the celebration and the debate begin.

Caribbean Series -- Feb. 2-8:
The crown jewel of the Caribbean, the tournament features the top Winter League teams from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. This year's version will be held on Margarita Island in Venezuela.

Pitchers and catchers report -- Feb. 8:
Let the reporting dates begin. This second Monday of February marks the first day injured players, pitchers and catchers can report to Spring Training.

The first date all players may report to Spring Training is Feb. 23.

The mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players is March 2.

Opening Day -- April 4:
The Yankees begin defense of their World Series title with three games against Boston at Fenway, marking the first time since 1950 that the two teams will start and finish the regular season playing each other at the venerable Boston ballpark. Their final regular-season meeting is Oct. 1-3.

Also, Major League active rosters must be set at 25 players on this date.

Target Field opens -- April 12:
In the Twins' first outdoor home game since 1981, Target Field will officially open as the Twins play host to the Red Sox.

Lackey faces ex-mates -- May 3-7:
New Red Sox starter John Lackey squares off against his former club, the Angels, in this four-game series at Fenway Park. Lackey and the Red Sox travel to Anaheim for the first time this season for a three-game series starting July 26.

Civil Rights Game -- May 15:
The fourth annual Civil Rights Game will feature the Reds and the Cardinals at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The game pays tribute to efforts made toward racial equality and diversity in baseball and society in the United States.

Interleague begins -- May 21:
It's time for the Junior and Senior circuits to come together and there is no better way to get this year's version of Interleague Play started than the annual Subway Series between the Yankees and the Mets that opens on this day in Queens. The 2010 rotation for Interleague Play is NL East vs. AL Central, NL Central vs. AL West, and NL West vs. AL East.

Strasburg comes home -- May 28-30:
With an arm like Stephen Strasburg has, anything is possible. The top pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft could be on track for a homecoming in Southern California when the Nationals take on the Padres for three games in San Diego.

First-Year Player Draft -- June 7-9:
Who will be the next Strasburg? The best amateur players take their first step toward their big league dreams on this day. The First-Year Player Draft will be held in Secaucus, N.J.

Yankees at Dodgers -- June 25-27:
Let the storylines flow. The Yankees will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers as Joe Torre's managerial present and past come together in one of the game's most historic rivalries.

What's up Doc? Phillies at Toronto -- June, 25-27:
Oh, Canada! It's going to be a memorable reunion in the Great White North. New Phillies ace Halladay returns to Toronto for the first time since his trade from the Blue Jays.

Mannywood, Dodgers at Red Sox -- June 18-20:
In what will be a series to remember, former Red Sox star Manny Ramirez returns to Fenway Park for the first time since 2007.

Home Run Derby -- July 12:
Angel Stadium transforms into a launching pad during one of the most popular events of All-Star week. Can Prince Fielder repeat as the champion?

All-Star Game -- July 13:
The biggest stars in the game come together for the Midsummer Classic in Anaheim. The AL has now won seven straight Midsummer Classics -- the third-longest streak in All-Star Game history.

Hall of Fame Inductions -- July 25:
The eyes of the Baseball Nation return to Cooperstown, N.Y., to celebrate the game and the game's best.

Non-waiver Trade Deadline -- July 31:
In all, 10 trades involving Major Leaguers went down on this day in 2009. Which team is a buyer? Which team is a seller? Many of those questions will be answered by this busy last day in July.

Postseason eligibility lists established -- Aug. 31:
Waiver trades are still a possibility during the month -- meaning players who would be traded need to pass through waivers first -- however playoff rosters must be set by the last day in August.

Rosters expand -- Sept. 1:
It's time to call up players from the Minor Leagues as the active roster is expanded from 25 to 40. For some teams, it's a chance to add reinforcements for a playoff push. For those out of the race, it's a chance to take a look at the top prospects for the future.

Postseason -- October/November:
The teams and dates are unknown, but the goal remains the same during this time of year: win a World Series title. The free agent filing period runs the first 15 days after the World Series ends.

Winter Meetings -- Dec. 4-7
Florida becomes the center of the baseball world as it plays host to the annual meeting of baseball executives. The four-day summit will be held in Lake Buena Vista.

Last chance -- Dec. 12:
The date marks the last day teams may tender 2011 contracts to unsigned players.

At Fenway, walk-off win caps Classic

BOSTON -- With a virtual sea of black and gold engulfing the stands -- from the Monster Seats to Pesky's Pole and all around Fenway Park -- one of baseball's most historic venues became an outdoor hockey paradise on Friday.

The third annual Winter Classic, and first professional hockey game at Fenway Park, was a riveting event capped with high drama, as Marco Sturm's goal at 1:57 of overtime gave the Boston Bruins a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The B's forced overtime on veteran Mark Recchi's power-play strike with 2:18 left in regulation.

At that moment, Bruins players learned what Fenway feels like on a midsummer night when David Ortiz clocks a game-tying homer against the Yankees.

"Just knowing that I had tied the game, and the whole energy of the building, being at Fenway, it kicked in when I got to the bench," Recchi said. "I was so excited. I just got in a big pile and we were screaming at each other, and when I got to the bench, the place was going nuts. It was a pretty special feeling, that's for sure."

The event -- played in front of a packed Fenway house of 38,112 -- was a spectacle, one in which home runs were replaced by slap shots amid a New Year's Day that New Englanders won't soon forget.

The ending is one that should go down in Boston sports lore.

"That's what I probably dreamed of this morning," said Sturm. "It's always going to be one of my most memorable goals ever, and I'll definitely enjoy it."

It was a day to remember, even before the storybook finish.

"This is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. "I think this is great for the region, it's great for the Bruins, it's great for Boston. To have this iconic ballpark host this game today, it's a very special event."

With a considerable amount of Flyers fans also on hand, the stands had a bit of a Red Sox-Yankees feel, with chants of "Let's Go Flyers" being demonstratively overruled by "Let's Go Bruins."

"I think my first shift, I almost missed it because I was looking around so much," said Sturm. "When you walked in and started the game, it was incredible."

Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, always played heading into the bottom of the eighth inning for Red Sox games, was heard during a stoppage of play with eight minutes left in the third period.

"Just walking out today with all the fans in their seats gave a little taste of what a baseball player would feel like, and that's cool for me because I grew up playing baseball also," said Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas.

Bruins legend Bobby Orr came out for a ceremonial opening faceoff with Flyers honorary captain Bobby Clarke. The Dropkick Murphys performed live in center field, playing "Shipping Up To Boston," a song usually heard at Fenway when Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon enters a game.

And there was a flyover that gave players and coaches on both sides the chills.

"It was awesome," said Flyers coach Peter Laviolette. "Right from the start, from the anthems to the stealth plane that flew overhead to the fans. Just being at Fenway Park, looking around and taking it all in was something special."

Unlike Thursday's practice, when the players went through their paces in majestic snow, Friday was dry and mild -- game-time temperature was 39.6 degrees. But that made for a more true playing surface.

"The weather was incredible -- the atmosphere and weather," Recchi said. "It couldn't have been better for a hockey game. It wasn't too cold. It was nice. The ice was good -- a little bouncy, but it was fast."

While no current Red Sox players were on hand, Curt Schilling, who won countless big games for both Boston and Philadelphia, took in the Classic while wearing a Bruins jersey with No. 30 (Thomas) on the back.

Though Schilling passed up a chance to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Ted Kennedy, he showed his savvy as a politician by refusing to say which sports town was better -- Boston or Philadelphia.

"That's asking to pick a fight with somebody," Schilling said during an intermission interview on NBC. "From an athlete's perspective, you've got two cities with four professional sports franchises, so you've got 12 months a year of sports. Their intense dislike of New York is something that they have in common.

"I think the difference is that maybe in Boston, you have to drive around and listen to fans berate you for a week. In Philadelphia, the fans might throw something at you. It's maybe a little more physical in Philadelphia, but both cities are incredible places to play."

One of the toughest tickets in the history of Boston sports, the Classic packed Fenway with a capacity crowd of 38,112.

"This is awesome -- this is my only Flyers game of this year, so the fact that it's outdoors at Fenway, it's awesome," said Jeff DeMaio, a Flyers fan who hails from Philadelphia but now lives in Louisiana. "I tried to get tickets for six months."

The increasingly popular New Year's spectacle has become one of the most important events for National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Though there was some talk that this year's Winter Classic could have been played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. -- the home of the New England Patriots -- Bettman looked at Fenway as the obvious choice.

Last year's Classic was played at Wrigley Field in Chicago, while the inaugural event was at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, N.Y.

"We decided, consistent with what we did at Wrigley last year, that for the first time coming to Boston, we wanted it to be in an iconic venue," Bettman said. "This one opened in 1912 -- it's almost 100 years old. We felt being downtown in this venue at this point in time was the right thing."

There has yet to be an announcement on next year's Classic, though Yankee Stadium or Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia) are venues that could well get into the mix.

Award-winning singer James Taylor performed the national anthem, just like he has for World Series games at Fenway. Daniel Powter handled the Canadian anthem.

The Flyers broke the scoreless tie when defenseman Danny Syvret put one home at 4:42 of the second period. That goal held up until the late-game drama by the Bruins thrilled the Fenway faithful.

"It was very exciting," said Thomas. "I think everybody on our bench wanted it so bad. Marco scored the winner. It was one of the most incredible feelings I can remember."

"It was an unbelievable scenario," said Bruins coach Claude Julien. "Not just the game, but even looking around. There's no doubt that there's something special about this park. There would have been nothing worse than leaving Fenway with that many fans here and not knowing how they would have reacted if we had scored. That went through my mind. It also pushed us to get that goal."

"This was a terrific day," said Bettman. "The 2010 NHL Winter Classic was played in a perfect setting by the world's best athletes for the world's greatest fans, and the response was overwhelming. Thanks to Dan Craig and his crew for creating outstanding ice. Thanks to Don Renzulli and the NHL Events group for creating a magnificent spectacle. Thanks to the teams, to the city of Boston and to the Red Sox for having welcomed our New Year's Day tradition so graciously."