http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/bay-vs-cameron
There is a stat called WAR (Wins above replacement) which, of course, Joe will never understand. Since 2002, Cameron has produced approximately the same WAR as David Ortiz, Aramis Ramirez, and Jim Thome.
Using WAR as an indicator of value, Jason Bay was worth $15.7 M last year for his 3.5 WAR; Mike Cameron, on the other hand, was worth $19.4 M for his 4.3 WAR. For less than half of what the Mets are paying Jason Bay, the Red Sox got a better player.
Theo Epstein is a fucking genius; Joe is a fucking moron®.
How do you replace Bay's 36 HR? With Cameron's 25 and by taking away a whole shitload of runs from the other side with his glove. Defense wins.
Last year, Damon, Cabrera, and Matsui hit 65 HR and knocked in 240; Johnson, Gardner, and Granderson hit 41 and knocked in 156. How you gonna replace them?