Keeping the Angels at Bay

BOSTON -- When Jason Bay moved from Pittsburgh to left field at Fenway Park as part of the July trade that sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers, few Red Sox players knew much about him. Third baseman Mike Lowell, who had played against Bay in the National League, was the exception. And little Bay has done since getting to Boston has surprised Lowell.

"I don't think he's done anything that we're in shock about," Lowell said.

Not even the two home runs and five runs batted in in his first five playoff at-bats? That's matched Ramirez, one of the best postseason hitters in baseball history, who also homered twice in the Dodgers' first two playoff wins.

"He's been enormous for us," Lowell said of Bay. "I think it's unfair to compare him to Manny just because he came over in the trade. But basically he's doing what Manny does. Big home runs. Presence at the plate. He's been the player we hoped he was. And a lot more."

His postseason success has also caused his profile to rise among his family members. Sister Lauren has played in the Olympics for Canada's national softball team but asked what was bigger, Lauren's pitching or his hitting, Bay thought for a moment, then smiled.

"My sister's been to the Olympics twice," he said. "So we'll say this."

-- Kevin Baxter

Photo: Teammates congratulate Jason Bay as he returns to the dugout after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning Friday night against the Angels. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times