The Red Sox are "looking hard at alternatives" for Jason Bay, reports Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.
It's been known for a while now that Jason Bay has rejected a four-year, $60 million contract from the Red Sox, preferring to test free agency instead. The Red Sox have been linked to Matt Holliday, but they've seemingly been linked to everyone by this point. Bay will likely sign for a deal greater than the one he rejected, but it won't be by much.
Source: Twitter: Jon Heyman Nov. 21 - 9:15 am et

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox have expressed interest in four of Scott Boras' clients -- Matt Holliday, Mike Gonzalez, Rick Ankiel and Adrian Beltre.
The Red Sox are looking at Holliday as a more expensive alternative should they fail to re-sign Jason Bay. Gonzalez, a left-hander, could presumably take the role of Billy Wagner if he signs as a closer elsewhere. Ankiel is a surprising name, but since they just acquired Jeremy Hermida, also a left-handed outfielder, it's hard to see a fit. Lastly, Beltre would only make sense if the Red Sox find a suitor for Mike Lowell, who has one year and $12 million left on his contract. It's important to understand that this is just the first day of free-agency, so look for the Red Sox to be linked to most, or all, of the major free agents.
Source: Boston Herald Nov. 20 - 6:36 pm et

Red Sox claimed RHP Robert Manuel off waivers from the Mariners.
Maneul, 26, posted a 2.88 ERA and 49/16 K/BB ratio in 65 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level. His numbers are strong, but he has sub-par stuff and may be destined for a career in middle relief. Nov. 20 - 5:10 pm et

Angels owner Arte Moreno indicated Thursday that the Angels will pursue free agent outfielder Jason Bay this winter.
Moreno told local media members that he's intrigued by Bay's "great bat and great makeup." The 31-year-old should come at a cheaper price than Matt Holliday and seems like a fine fit in Anaheim, where a spot has opened via the expected departure of Vladimir Guerrero. Bay hit .267/.384/.537 in 2009 with 36 home runs, 119 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 531 at-bats.
Source: Los Angeles Times Nov. 20 - 10:17 am et

Red Sox team president Larry Lucchino acknowledged Thursday that the Red Sox badly want to re-sign outfielder Jason Bay.
"Very much so," Lucchino said at an event honoring owner John Henry. "We’d love to have him back. He’s in many ways the personification of a player we want here." Boston's exclusive negotiating period with Bay runs out Friday. He's expected to hit the open market and will receive plenty of interest.
Source: WEEI.com Nov. 19 - 8:19 pm et

David Ortiz is working hard on his fitness level this offseason in the hopes of avoiding another slow start.
Ortiz hit just .222/.317/.416 before the All-Star break this past season and didn't have a home run until late May. Boston GM Terry Francona checked in on him this week and was impressed. "He looks good. He's following through with a really good start to his offseason," said Epstein. He's lost some weight and he's in really good shape, so that's a good sign."
Source: Providence Journal Nov. 19 - 7:55 pm et

During an appearance to promote an upcoming charity event, David Ortiz said the Red Sox need another power bat.
"I say that like a year ago and everybody looked at me like I was a (expletive) clown. I say, ‘We need another 30 home run hitting guy.’ ‘What, you crazy!’ Everybody talking trash. Now what?" Ortiz said. "Everybody will always welcome a 30 home run hitting player. Every time, every situation. You want to compete with those guys across the street you better bring it, period." General manager Theo Epstein will attempt to re-sign Jason Bay, but are also expected to pursue Adrian Gonzalez to play first base.
Source: WEEI.com Nov. 19 - 1:32 pm et

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that Jason Bay rejected a four-year contract offer from the Red Sox.
Boston's offer was believed to be around $60 million, according to sources. "It's not a surprise that a player that's gone this far wants to see what's out there," said general manager Theo Epstein. Bay, 31, will hit the free agent market for the first time in his career on Friday. He is one of the top three free agents available and will take his chances of earning more on the open market.
Source: SI.com Nov. 19 - 11:47 am et

According to Frankie Piliere of AOL Fanhouse, it's looking like a two-team race between the Red Sox and Yankees for Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman.
Piliere cites sources of with several different teams as saying that despite heavy interest, mid-market teams do not expect to be involved in the bidding for the young fireballer. The Red Sox and Yankees are among a select few who can make a serious bid on an unknown quantity.
Source: AOL Fanhouse Nov. 19 - 9:39 am et

Manager Terry Francona would like to see Jason Bay back in Boston next season.
"He has earned the right to be a free agent. This is his first time and he wants to see it through," Francona said during an hour-long appearance on WEEI in Boston. "You know we're going to be a major player -- we always are. Do I hope it gets done? Yeah. I bet you Jason Bay hopes it gets done, but he's going to have other options, too." Boston's exclusive negotiating window with Bay comes to a close on Friday, but there's a pretty good chance he stays put.
Source: MLB.com Nov. 18 - 5:10 pm et