ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Boston Red Sox released Jose Offerman on Thursday to make room for Cliff Floyd and must pay the first baseman more than $4.1 million that remains on his contract.

In another move, right-hander Willie Banks was designated for assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket to open a roster spot for newly acquired right-hander Bob Howry.

Offerman reacted angrily when general manager Mike Port informed him of the decision. Offerman also yelled a profanity at reporters who were in the clubhouse, blaming them in part for his release, and threw equipment.

"Why didn't you tell me when I was in Los Angeles?'' Offerman screamed at Port, who delayed the announcement until the team was in Texas in case Floyd had been unable to join the Red Sox on Thursday.

Offerman's offseason home is in Toluca Lake, Calif., outside Los Angeles.

Offerman signed a $26 million, four-year deal in November 1998. The Red Sox are responsible for the remaining $2,131,149 of this year's $6.5 million salary, and a $2 million buyout of an $8 million club option for 2003.

Offerman, who was in All-Star in 1995 and 1999, was batting only .232 with four homers and 27 RBI in 72 games.

"I think it was frustration and disappointment on Jose's part,'' Port said. "When you deliver bad news, it goes with the territory. He was disappointed that we didn't do it yesterday when he was home, but our charge is to make sure we field a 25-man team and we needed to protect ourselves in case of travel difficulties. It was my call. For $6.5 million, I felt he could wait another day.''