Jay Payton

Like teammate Kevin Millar, Jay Payton has his uses on an established, contending team. He has a little bit of power, traditionally hits lefthanders well and plays good defense. But he's an awful fit for an Orioles team lacking in too many run producers, particularly now that it's traded Miguel Tejada. That trade netted Luke Scott among others, and Scott figures to get most of the starts against right-handed starters in left field in place of Payton. It's possible that Payton will lose significant playing time.

o Payton's had nothing more than minimal fantasy value ever since leaving the mile-high air of Colorado after the 2003 season. He doesn't steal bases, hit enough home runs or hit for a high enough average to be anything but an end-of-auction outfielder in all but the shallowest of AL-only leagues. He did manage to boost his average to .296 last season with the A's, easily his highest mark since 2003 but don't expect that to continue. He inked a two-year, $9.5 million contract with Baltimore over the offseason, but will have to fight for a starting spot with Aubrey Huff, Kevin Millar and Jay Gibbons expected to start at first base, left field and designated hitter ahead of him.

Payton provided the A's with a jolt of offense right after being acquired in mid-July, but failed to homer after September 2. He'd find his role reduced if the A's upgrade their offense over the winter.

Payton crashed to earth in San Diego a year after posting career highs in Colorado. He hit just eight home runs in 458 at-bats, a far cry from the 28 in 2003. It would be foolish to project anything like the plus-.860 OPS outside of Colorado, but he should bounce back to be at least a mediocre outfielder in 2005. He could platoon with Trot Nixon in right field after his trade to Boston, but most likely will work in a reserve role.

Payton enjoyed the best season of his career in 2003. He posted career highs in every offensive category except stolen bases and proved once and for all that 600 at bats and a little altitude provide the perfect parameters for a guy playing in his contract year. Payton had never been a slouch, but likewise, he had never put up more than average numbers in his previous non-Colorado seasons. Did Payton finally show his potential or was he a product of the altitude and the new environment? We'll find out, as he'll patrol center field for the Padres in 2004.

Payton looked great after being traded to Colorado in mid summer last year. In only 47 games he hit for a .335 average and scoring 36 runs. Injuries have plagued him, but if he can stay healthy, Payton could put up some nice numbers.