Jay Payton Returns to Fenway

With Damon on the sideline, and Millar playing left field, there could be no worse time for Kapler to have a season ending injury than right now. It is easy to not like Payton, he signed on as a part time player and immediately was uncomfortable with his part time roll, but it sure would be nice to have him back. Payton's departure made way for Bradford's arrival who has been a highly serviceable reliever for the Sox (note last night's eighth inning hold clearing the way for Ortiz's MVP style game winning homer). Thursday night marks the return to Fenway for Payton as an Oakland A.

The bottom line is we want to go in there and win the series. I don't have any hard feelings whatsoever. It's a business. It didn't work out. I don't harbor any nasty feelings. That's not my style." -- Jay Payton

Who will play center field tonight other than Payton?

I'm hoping Johnny Damon shows up and is really healthy."-- Terry Francona

If not, perhaps the likes of Machado or Hyzdu?