Trade reported with Boston swaps Bradford for Payton

[missionhockey21]

A'S REPORT
Trade reported with Boston swaps Bradford for Payton

Susan Slusser

Friday, July 8, 2005

Toronto -- Assistant general manager David Forst refused to confirm reports in Boston that the A's have completed a deal with the Red Sox that would send reliever Chad Bradford to Boston in exchange for outfielder Jay Payton.

"We can't comment on a player who is under contract to another organization," Forst said.

According to the reports, the trade will not be announced until after the All-Star break, which is when Bradford is expected to come off the disabled list.

Payton, a well-respected defensive player, was designated for assignment on Thursday after requesting a trade because he was unhappy with his playing time.

If Payton were to come to Oakland, it's unclear how his playing time would improve unless the A's were to deal either center fielder Mark Kotsay, which they will consider if he does not sign a contract extension before the July 31 trading deadline, or Eric Byrnes, who has been the subject of trade rumors for eight months. The A's only have four outfielders right now, however, and they usually carry five, so it's possible they would stick with all of them and have Payton as insurance in the event Kotsay does not sign.

It is far more likely, however, that Kotsay will sign a two-year extension totaling $14 million to $15 million in the next three weeks. The talks have been good, according to a source close to the negotiations, and Kotsay's salary request is considered reasonable.

Bradford, who had back surgery in March, faced one batter (which was as planned, according to manager Ken Macha) in a rehab appearance at Class-A Stockton on Wednesday and he allowed a hit and a run. Players on the disabled list cannot be traded but Bradford is expected to be activated after the break.

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[General]

I think the A's got jipped. However, Byrnes can now go to Atlanta.

[awefullspellare]

Payton did get traded to the team that won the WS last year. Maybe it will happen again this year!

[RockSports17]

Not a huge fan of Payton. The trade should help both teams. Red Sox get some RP help, and Oakland gets a ok OF.

[A'sDiehard]

Great. This either means that Kotsay or Byrnes is on the way out.

Once again, welcome to the freakin cheap seats A's fans.

[Providence A's]

Not happening:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...PGSVDKMF91.DTL

[A's Baby Girl]

I don't think we need a potential head-case.