Payton inks two-year deal with O's

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BALTIMORE -- The Orioles filled their vacancy in left field Monday, when veteran Jay Payton agreed to a two-year contract reportedly worth more than $9 million. Payton, a strong defender in all three outfield slots, immediately becomes Baltimore's only right-handed-hitting outfielder. The 34-year-old hit .296 last year and has a .284 career average.
Payton played at least 45 games in each outfield position for Oakland last season, but he'll be confined mostly to left and center field in Baltimore. He hit .296 against both lefties and righties last season, but his ability against southpaws will enable center fielder Corey Patterson and right fielder Nick Markakis to take turns on the bench.

Left field was Baltimore's least productive position last season. Jeff Conine played it for the first half of the season and was traded to Philadelphia, and utilityman Brandon Fahey took hold down the stretch. The Orioles are still looking to add another bat -- perhaps in a trade for pitcher Rodrigo Lopez -- to add to the outfield mix.