The public outcry to keep Jacoby Ellsbury in Boston was loud, and for the moment seems to have been answered. With the Santana deal slipping away, any risk of Ellsbury being part of a trade is gone as well. So, I get it: Red Sox Nation loves Jacoby Ellsbury. Hey, I love him too, in that manly, fan-type way. But is he serious?
Ellsbury is also signing autographs tomorrow at Emerald Square Mall in North Attleborough at Sports Treasures, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It will cost fans $125.00 to get a baseball or photograph (up to 16×20) signed by the rookie Outfielder (you provide the item). For $150.00, Ellsbury will autograph a baseball bat or jersey/shirt.
There are a lot of things I’d drop $125 on before I’d pay for a 23-year-old kid’s autograph with 33 major league games under his belt. Many of which I can’t mention here. Even though this reeks of Boras, it drops Ellsbury down a notch in my eyes unless he’s giving the proceeds to a charity. This is a move I’d expect out of A-Rod or Clemens. The survey on Boston.com says only 7% of people responding would pay. Would you?
