Royce Clayton Loves a Pennant Race

Just a few weeks ago, 2007 was looking like a bust for Royce Clayton. He started off the season as the Blue Jays' starting shortstop, then lost his everyday gig to John McDonald, and had to languish on the bench until eventually getting released by Toronto.

But how quickly things change. Clayton got snapped up by the Red Sox, who signed the veteran to a minor-league deal with the intention of calling him up in September. So Clayton will soon find himself in the thick of a pennant race, playing for the team with baseball's best record.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "You suit up every year with hopes of getting to the playoffs, eventually a World Series to bring home a ring. Obviously, they are the best team in baseball right now, and this is a good opportunity for me to be a part of it and hopefully I can contribute."

Before agreeing to sign with the Sox, Clayton had one small request: He wanted to be home for his son's first day of school. Sox GM Theo Epstein obliged.

"I appreciate [the Red Sox] accommodating that because it meant a lot to me," said Clayton. "My son may not remember it, but I will. After that, my mind was clear and I was ready to come, get in shape and help the club."

And, coincidentally, guess which team the Sox will be facing during the first few days of September when he's likely to be called into action: Your Toronto Blue Jays.