June 26, 2006
Wanting to Play
In general, I like players who want to get in the game. What I don't like are the ones who act disgruntled when they've done nothing to show the deserve to play. Jay Payton is pulling this again. He hasn't been a good hitter since he left Colorado, but he gets upset when he doesn't start. That's why the Red Sox got rid of him. Jay ought to think about improving his play before he gripes.
Posted by David Pinto at
07:48 AM
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Payton's always been a marginal player, except for that one magical season at Coors. On-base and slugging are adequate at best; batting average is just good enough to be misleading. Now he's in his early 30s, and his already-narrow skill set is eroding. If he shuts up and accepts his role as a fourth outfielder, he could hang around as a "proven major leaguer" and make several million dollars. If he's a disruptive element in the clubhouse, teams will quickly realize they don't need to put up with him.
Who does he think he is? Derek Bell?
Over the past couple weeks, Jay Payton has indeed been playing very well. He's batting .396, with an OPS of 1.054 over that time.
Also, he's hitting over .300 since May 1st. Admitedly, he's not walking much, but he does play above average defense, so it evens out a bit.
I don't like that Payton is making such a fuss over it, but he has played well enough to deserve a bit more playgin time.
