Jay Payton has reportedly been designated for assignment and is about to be traded by the Red Sox.

 

Payton had made it clear that he was frustrated playing only against lefties. It appears the Red Sox have decided to grant his wish of a trade. Adam Stern could be Payton's replacement on the roster, assuming the trade isn't for another outfielder. The Red Sox could start giving Kevin Millar some playing time in right field against lefties, opening up some more at-bats for John Olerud.

Jul. 7 - 2:26 pm et

 

 

- rotoworld

 

Also from the Hartford Courant:

 

The Boston Red Sox have designated outfielder Jay Payton, 32, for assignment. The team has 10 days to either trade him, release him or send him to the minors. It is likely he will be traded. Payton has appeared in 54 of the team's 83 games this season and has lobbied for a trade because of lack of playing time.

 

"I was here half a season," Payton said, "and did the best I could without trying to create a scene about wanting to be somewhere else and getting the opportunity to play more."

 

Payton was an everyday player for the San Diego Padres last season, playing 143 games. He was the marquee player sent to Boston in the off season in a deal that sent role player Dave Roberts to the Padres.

 

With the Red Sox, Payton was batting .265 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 132 at-bats at the midway point of the season.

 

The team was flying from Arlington, Texas, to Baltimore this morning. Payton said he was taking a separate fight to Boston.

 

 

http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/red...dlines-breaking

More pressure on Millar/Nixon to hit lefties

Gammons on WEEI says he made an 'outburst' last night...

 

Could wind up in Oakland per Peter.

 

We really dont need a cancer on the team but with our banged up outfield, this is a loss...