Simply put, Jacoby Ellsbury did not disappoint this past year. The young outfielder posted huge numbers, not just in steals (39) but career highs in every major hitting category. Ellsbury even amazed fans by belting an impressive 32 homers to go along with his 212 hits. He even nearly laid claim to an AL batting title with his .321 average despite hitting leadoff for a team that didn’t seem to be making good contact for the whole last half of the season. Fortunately for Ellsbury, though, it’s not just Sox fans taking notice.

Not only did the Sox centerfielder take home the MLB’s 2011 “Comeback Player of the Year Award,” last month, but he was just named a “Silver Slugger,” and even managed to grab his first Rawling’s “Gold Glove” for his amazing play in the field. In any other year a player showcasing such supreme skills from both sides of the field would be in strict contention for the American League MVP Award. Unfortunately for Ellsbury, though, that’s not how the league will see it this season.

Marred by their late season collapse, I’m shocked that so many awards are heading the Red Sox’s way this offseason. Adrian Gonzalez picked himself up a “Gold Glove” and “Silver Slugger” award, David Ortiz proved he’s still not over-the-hill by claiming a “Silver Slugger” award himself, and Dustin Pedroia claimed his second “Gold Glove,” proving that he’s good for more than just “the laser show” on the baseball diamond. And while I’m glad that these players are getting the recognition that they deserve, it comes with a heavy heart.

Ellsbury will not be a free agent outright this year, but if his agent Scott Boras’s track record with the Red Sox  is indicative of anything, its that he’s out for the most money for his clients. In fairness, that is what they pay him the big bucks for, however if you’re a Sox fan, you can reserve the right to hate the man that ultimately may cost us Ellsbury…let me explain.

Ellsbury isn’t able to test the free agent market yet, but Boras will be leaning heavily on Red Sox management to get a new deal pushed through this off-season so that there’s nothing to worry about moving on in the future. No player likes to play without guaranteed money, and if Ellsbury puts himself out  next season and gets hurt, teams will be far less likely to fork over  big money, not wanting to invest in someone who is coming off an injury with his injury record. Because of this, Boras will want to lock up Ellsbury to a new deal, but won’t be so loyal as to do it with the Sox.

Reminiscent of the Johnny Damon situation of days gone by, if Boras feels his client won’t get the long-term deal he seeks in Boston, he’ll simply attempt move him elsewhere, which worries me. I’m not blaming Boras for the Johnny Damon situation, as Red Sox management (sans Theo Epstein) was just as responsible. But what I am saying here is that Boras is a “take-no-prisoners” style of agent. Because of this, I think it behooves the Red Sox to seriously look at spending their money internally this off-season and locking up a player who would have been in contention for the MVP award, provided the Sox at least limped into the playoffs this season.

Whatever the future holds for Ellsbury, I certainly wish him the best. The former Tampa Bay prospect went to  has worked hard when other teams initially wrote him off, and has battled injuries to get where he’s at. He seems a good fit for any community, and a player who succeeds both on, and off the field. I would love, however, for the Sox to lock him up long term so all of his attributes stay in Boston, where he could continue to grow and produce in a park that he seems to play exceptionally well in.

So Scott Boras if you’re reading this, I know you’re already prepping for an off-season of moving and shaking, but please lean on the Sox to help keep our boy Ellsbury in Boston, as a long term deal works for both sides. Oh, and if you’d like to get me a Christmas present, please keep Albert Pujols from somehow signing in New York…thanks.