Bay watch, new season

That sound at midnight last night was the window closing shut on the Red Sox' best shot at a preemptive re-signing of Jason Bay. At 12:01 a.m., all 171 free agents, including six from the Red Sox , received the green light to begin negotiations with all 30 teams. The Red Sox and Bay knew reaching a deal before last night's deadline was unlikely. This is his first stab at free agency, and, along with fellow outfielder Matt Holliday and right-hander John Lackey, he's one of the top names on this year's list. Bay likely will have substantive discussions with at least a half-dozen teams. The Mets, Cardinals, Giants, Blue Jays, Angels and Mariners all are believed to be interested. Meanwhile, the Red Sox and Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, have agreed to keep the lines of communication open in the coming weeks. The club's best offer is believed to be a three-year guaranteed deal. However, Bay reportedly has left a four-year, $60 million proposal on the table. Bay is believed to be looking for at least a five-year deal worth approximately $17 million per season. Sox general manager Theo Epstein said yesterday that re-signing Bay remains ``a priority, certainly.'' As for how long it will take, nothing appears imminent. ``It lasts as long as it lasts, until one side does something different,'' Epstein said. ``This part of the process is important to him. He'll see what it's like, see what's out there and ultimately make a decision.'' While the Red Sox like Bay, they are believed to think Holliday is the more well-rounded player. However, Holliday reportedly is seeking a six- or seven-year deal worth somewhere around $20 million per season. The other Red Sox free agents are outfielder Rocco Baldelli, starter Paul Byrd, reliever Billy Wagner, infielder Chris Woodward and shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Wagner could accept the club's expected arbitration offer by Dec. 12, but the left-hander is believed to want an opportunity to close. Epstein said Gonzalez remains ``very much'' in the mix at shortstop, especially with Jed Lowrie's wrist remaining a question mark. The team turned down Gonzalez' $6 million option for next season but remains interested in signing him at a reduced price. Gonzalez, meanwhile, would like a multiyear deal. ``I think (Lowrie) will get to the point where he can demonstrate his dependability and his health, but we're not going to rely on good offseason reports,'' Epstein said. ``He's got to show up and do it, day in and day out before we rely on that, so we'll be acquiring a shortstop via trade or free agency.'' The Red Sox have met with Scott Boras, the agent for Holliday and free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, as well as Lackey's agent. The team also is expected to explore the viability of signing a free agent pitcher with recent injury problems, including Ben Sheets, Rich Harden and Erik Bedard. Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, a lefty who has met with the Sox , is in the mix as well. According to the New York Post, the Red Sox have inquired about free agent relievers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano. - msilverman@bostonherald.com Who's out there Of the 171 free agents to hit the open market today, here are a few who will likely be associated with the Red Sox in the coming days, weeks and maybe months: POSITIONAL PLAYERS OF Jason Bay - Mutual interest for him to re-sign, but other clubs' interest will determine his fate. OF Matt Holliday - Price tag (6-7 years, $20M per) could scare Red Sox , others away. SS Alex Gonzalez - At right price, Sox would like him back. SS Marco Scutaro - Sox tried to trade for him in July. SS Miguel Tejada - Getting old but still good offensive force; could play some 3B. 3B Adrian Beltre - Excellent defender, still young, but coming off an injury. Red Sox like that type. STARTERS RHP John Lackey - Best available free agent would be ace of most, not all, clubs. LHP Aroldis Chapman - No consensus if Cuban defector would be ready in 2010, but many teams are intrigued. RHP Ben Sheets - Hasn't pitched in a year, but Sox have been unafraid of injury risks. RHP Rich Harden - Another frequent visitor to the DL, but with lights-out stuff. RELIEVERS LHP Billy Wagner - Longshot acquisition, but if closing opportunities are slim eleswhere, he could come back at the right price. LHP Mike Gonzalez - Lost Braves closer job to Rafael Soriano, and Sox have always liked him. RHP Rafael Soriano - Undeniable stuff and heat, but consistency has eluded him. - COMPILED BY MICHAEL SILVERMAN