PAYTON DEALT FOR BRADFORD
The Oakland Athletics acquired outfielder Jay Payton from the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Chad Bradford.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
Having signed center-fielder Mark Kotsay to a contract extension last week, Payton helps give them more of a veteran presence in the outfield. The corner infield positions have been weak spots for the A's this year and Payton can get fairly regular starts at any outfield position, while giving them the power boost they've been missing. He's no savior but he does make the A's a little better as they take their aim at Wild-Card contention.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Needing a little extra help in the bullpen with closer Keith Foulke hurt and inconsistent, Bradford gives them a big righty in the middle of the 'pen with a strong track record of consistency. The one caveat is that the 30-year-old Bradford hasn't thrown a pitch this year due to back surgery, though he is ready to go now. As for Payton, he didn't want to be in Boston anymore and had been designated for assignment, so he was essentially a spare part.
Fantasy impact
