Magglio or Bay ?

Lynn Henning of The Detroit News says the Tigers's main objectives this offseason are finding a new short stop (or signing Edgar Renteria to a smaller contract), adding bullpen depth (especially a closer) and signing a catcher.

But outfielder Magglio Ordonez might be hindering them from addressing all of those concerns:

A critical question is whether the team can expect to achieve anything other than payroll relief if it trades Magglio Ordonez. The Tigers aren't in favor of trading a career .312 hitter on Ordonez's level, particularly one who consistently hits good pitching. Ordonez would leave a serious hole in a batting order that could be further strapped if Detroit, as expected, settles on a new shortstop known more for his defense than for his hitting.

Ordonez, however, will turn 35 in January and stands to pull $48 million during the final three years of his contract. The Tigers are staring at a potentially tough year at the box office and might need to consider trading Ordonez even if little is obtained in return.

A more realistic possibility is the Tigers would agree to absorb some of Ordonez's remaining money if they could gain a reliever, shortstop or catcher in return.

The Red Sox have the goods to make such an offer, the question is, do they want to?

Just go with me here for a sec...

The Sox need some pop in the middle of the lineup and would probably prefer a righty. Mags fits the bill, averaging 24 HRs, 115 RBI and a .326 BA over the past three seasons.

Jason Bay exceeded all expectations, batting .293 with 9 HRs and 37 RBIs in 49 games and leading the offense in the playoffs with a .341 BA, 3 HRs and 9 RBI. But Bay is just one of a handful of guys that fit in the 5 or 6 spot - Drew, Youk, Lowell... somebody needs step up and hit clean up.

Bay will be a free agent in 2009 and is making 7.5 million a year... the Tigers might be happy to get a guy like Bay and maybe a reliever like Manny Delcarmen in return for Magglio and his large salary.

Hell, maybe the Tigers will even take Julio Lugo off our hands!

The Sox can obviously afford to give Mags his $16M, but the Tigers could agree to absorb some of that money, as mentioned by Henning points out.

Bottom Line: I love Jason Bay. He's low maintenance and he just turned 30 in September... he's really at his peak right now, and Mags (35) may have his best years behind him... but it's an interesting idea.

What do you guys think?