Jason Bay Versus Xavier Nady

Jason Bay and Xavier Nady were the respective left and right outfielders for the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 25^th, 2008. By August 1, Bay and Nady had joined one of the most storied rivalries in all of sports. Understanding that Bay is a left fielder and Nady is a right fielder, who got a better deal in 2008 is still up for debate.

First, the similarities: Both are 29, both came up through the San Diego Padres, Nady's contract is up in 2009 and Bay's is up in 2010. Defensively both hold a slightly better than average ability but neither would be considered a defensive specialist. They were brought into the big show of New York versus Boston for their bats.

Strictly looking at the numbers once joining the big show, in 10 fewer games Jason Bay has scored 13 more runs, 25 points higher batting average, and almost matched Nady in HR, RBI, and Hits. The Boston Red Sox made it to Game Seven of the ALCS and the New York Yankees missed the postseason for the first time since 1995. With 2009 spring training about to start, Boston fans are talking about Jason Bay as the new face of Boston and Xavier Nady finds himself in a position battle/trade rumors with Nick Swisher.

At the trade deadline, Xavier Nady was having a career year with a .330 average and on pace to finish his first full year in the Major leagues. Adapting to the #1 media market of New York City has never been easy for any player and it would appear that Xavier Nady did not comfortably adjust to his new pinstriped uniform. He finished the year 62 points lower than with the Pirates though his power began to show itself as HR and RBI's increased from his first half numbers.

In 2009, with Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez batting in the third and fourth spots, Nady will most likely find himself batting fifth in the most potent lineup in baseball. With a full spring training under his belt, a more media focus on Teixeira and A-Rod, and this being a contract year; Nady may very well turn in his best year statistically. If he should falter though, he may very quickly find himself on the bench watching Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui taking his starting job. The Yankee administration expects a World Series in 2009 and will have no patience for growing pains.

Jason Bay stepped into the shoes of the infamous Manny Ramirez under the shadow of the Green Monster and delivered a 2008 performance that was greatly welcomed in Boston. Jason Bay received a standing ovation in his first at bat in Fenway. (He would walk and score a run). Bay rotated between the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots in 2008 and welcomed the media attention of a pennant race. He would add 10 points to his average and in the playoffs bat .341 with 3 HR and 9 RBI. In 2009, expect Terry Francona to use Bay again in the fourth, fifth, or sixth spot. With Mike Lowell's noted uneasiness batting cleanup, it may be up to Bay to protect David Ortiz.

Despite being only their first full year in this storied rivalry one thing is for sure, Jason Bay and Xavier Nady need to have career years once again to get through teams through the hellish AL East division.

SOURCES
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7143
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6610