Current Oriole Jay Payton’s role with the club is changing, according to MASN writer Roch Kubatko. Kubatko reported that Orioles Manager Dave Trembley has informed Payton that his at-bats will be cut so that the O’s can evaluate outfield prospects.

Payton also admitted that the last several weeks have been the toughest of his 11 year career. You can read Payton’s quotes about the Orioles’ slump here, at School of Roch.

Payton is at the end of his two-year tenure with the O’s, and he is not going to be on their squad in 2009, but is there room for him anywhere in MLB? For several reasons, Payton’s career may be over.

As an outfielder, Payton is a solid defender with an average arm and good speed; however, Payton has always been an impatient hitter. He’s never walked more than 43 times in a season. His batting average and on base percentage have been trending downward in the past two seasons, dropping from a career high .302/.354 in 2003 to .256/.292 in 2007 and .250/.297 in 2008.

Check out Payton’s career stats here.

At 35, Payton is not ancient by baseball standards, but he is clearly past his prime. He can still serve as a 4^th outfielder for a team looking for a veteran, but his price tag and potential attitude issues may keep clubs away. Payton made $5 million dollars this season and nearly the same last year.

Also, Payton has complained publicly both during his time in Boston and in Baltimore, when he doesn’t get regular playing time. He had an on-field altercation with teammate Melvin Mora in 2007.

Are there any teams out there willing to pay starter money for a 4^th outfielder who could be a locker room problem, and whose OBP has been under .300 for consecutive seasons?

My guess: Payton gets a nonroster invite to an MLB spring training camp, but does not get a multimillion dollar deal. He calls it a day some time in March. Of course, I’ve been wrong before. What do you think?

Camden Yards Attendance Update

The O’s announced Saturday’s attendance at 21,554. If that were true, the stadium would have been almost 45% full. If you believe this attendance figure, please send me your bank account information so I can deposit a large sum of money for you.

I know it was a Saturday and the weather cleared up, but A LOT of those people must have been dressed up like empty seats. From my view on the couch it looked like 10000 or 11000 people, tops. I’d love to hear a realistic estimate from anyone who may have been there.

(Photo Courtesy MLB.com)

For more info: Check out Saturday's game report here.

Topics: Jay Payton , 2010 , Camden Yards

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This is Birdland 2010

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July 15, 5:57 PM

April 1, 2010: Baltimore- Welcome to the land of pleasant living, where the beers cost $10, the Harbor Hilton costs $200 per night, and the Orioles are looking to go to the playoffs for the first time since 1997. Here are your 2010 Baltimore... Read More
Topics: 2010 , Mark Teixara , Scott Moore