BOSTON -- The free-agent period for Major League Baseball begins on Friday and Jason Bay will be atop the list for available outfielders.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has had "dialogue" with Bay’s agent, Joe Urbon, about the club’s strong desire to re-sign the left fielder. Bay, 31, has said he would like to return to Boston, but also wants to experience the free-agent process.

Epstein met with a small group of Red Sox beat writers Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park and said there’s nothing new to report on negotiations with Bay’s camp.

"I think this part of the process is important to him. He’ll see what it’s like and see what’s out there and ultimately make a decision," Epstein said.

Bay reportedly turned down a four-year, $60-million offer by Boston to test the market. The Sox and Bay have had discussions a few different times since last spring training, and Bay is an important offseason signing for Boston.

"He’s a priority, certainly," said Epstein.

Since arriving in Boston via a three-team trade that sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers at the trade deadline in 2008, Bay has been solid at the plate, in the field and an important factor in the clubhouse.

During his time in Boston he’s posted a .274 average with 45 home runs and 156 RBI in 200 games for the Sox.

According to Urbon, teams from both the American and National leagues are interested in Bay’s services.

Francona’s staff set to be named soon

The Red Sox are set to name their 2010 big-league field staff within the next few days, according to general manager Theo Epstein.

Former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills was named the new manager of the Houston Astros last month, so Boston has been interviewing internal personnel to replace him. Epstein admitted on Thursday one of the current coaches on staff will be named bench coach, and someone within the minor-league organization will be promoted to Boston.

Epstein and manager Terry Francona recently interviewed PawSox manager Ron Johnson, Lowell manager Gary DiSarcina, Red Sox minor-league field coordinator Rob Leary and the organization’s outfield and baserunning coordinator Tom Goodwin.

"Tito’s on a gambling bender for the next three days in Vegas, so probably shortly there after," Epstein said jokingly.

David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is one of the more well-respected individuals in the game of baseball. When he needs something all he has to do is pick up his cell phone and just about everyone will answer.

Especially when Ortiz is asking his peers to help out children, no one denies his request.

Along with Red Sox manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell, teammates Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Lowell, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield will join Ortiz for his second annual celebrity golf tournament Dec. 3-6 at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The David Ortiz Children’s Fund helps children in New England and the Dominican Republic who do not have access to critical pediatric services.

Other major league players set to attend the event include: Yankees’ Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez, the Angels’ Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero, the Phillies’ Pedro Martinez and Ryan Howard are also scheduled to attend.

Former Red Sox players Sean Casey, Jim Rice and Luis Tiant, along with Bruins legend Bobby Orr and Celtic great Jon Havlicek will also attend the event.

"I’m looking forward to gathering with all my friends for the second annual David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Tournament," Ortiz said. "It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase my home country while raising money for children who can’t afford the healthcare they need. Everyone who participates is making a difference in the lives of these children."

The inaugural tourney in 2008 raised over $300,000.

"Seeing the support from everyone I called to come to my event and all the money we collected. It was pretty good," said Ortiz. "We helped a lot of children."

In addition to the event, there is an online auction that can be accessed by logging on to www.davidortizcelebritygolfclassic.com.

jmcdonal@projo.com