"The Union-Tribune has learned that the Boston Red Sox have claimed Padres right fielder Brian Giles off the waiver wire, if only to keep him away from the two teams with better records in the American League. Thus, Boston entered a 48-hour period in which the Sox have exclusive rights to try to work out a trade with San Diego.

Giles is not in today's starting lineup for the finale of the Padres' series with the New York Mets-- Jody Gerut's penciled in to play right field -- though Manager Bud Black said the day off was scheduled and Giles is available to play.

"Just a regular thing," Black said. "Day game, 37-year-old player."

The Red Sox wouldn't seem the most likely team interested in Giles, since they already have an outfield loaded with stars J.D. Drew, Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury as well as Coco Crisp. They may just be protecting themselves against Giles landing with one of their division rivals and/or teams they may face in the postseason. "