Get Kenny Lofton!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 1:40 PM CDT Comment 77 comments

I've already given up on getting Griffey. Just going to be too costly and the Cubs don't have enough prospect depth to make a strong offer.. Hopefully, I'm wrong tho.

Lofton's obp is .378, and he'd be an ideal 60-70 game rental. Murton or Cedeno should be of interest to TX, and the Cubs could throw in a pitching prospect..

The Cubs are getting very little out of CF and catcher currently, and Fontenot could cool off any day.. Lofton gives the Cubs 6 reliable hitters (Sori, Lofton, Lee, ARam, Floyd & DeRosa). Sure the Cubs could use more power, with Lee becoming a singles and doubles hitter, but I doubt they address the lack of power at the deadline.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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we shouldnt have...

let him walk before. one of the dumbest things hendry did. i love lofton and wish he was a cub until he retires.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 7, 2007 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Um.

We need more outfielders? I missed that memo.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, preferrably someone who can play

CF and hit over .250...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Memo

Jones will be gone soon. Either DFA or trade.

Pagan and Murton are 4th and 5th outfielders on a good team..

Pie isn't ready..

So currently the Cubs have 2 outfielders (Soriano and Floyd), and Floyd's healthy is shaky...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And we need old declining OF's?

No thanks.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 7, 2007 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No thanks to a .378 obp

ok...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lofton would be sweet

cuz pagan and pie are just not ready to be everyday MLB players. who cares how old he is. he's not long term, he'll just be here for the playoff push

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 2:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I watched Lofton

make to "web gem" type plays in CF against the Mariners a couple of weeks ago, one of which he climbed the wall and robbed a home run.

He has more stolen bases this year than any cub.

We could probably put that sort of "decline" to use on the Cubs, wouldn't you think?

"I lof to hit de home ron!"

by Tekboy on Jul 7, 2007 2:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i often wander....

what world some of the posters on this site live in. lofton is declining and would be a terrible #2 hitter with his 370+ obp and his 20+ sb's and his ablity to put the bat on the ball. his stellar defense would be terrible for us in cf as would his veteran leadership and playoff experience. all the nl pitchers we face wouldnt fear him a bit on the basepaths behind soriano and in front of d. lee. lets face it pie isnt ready as i have said umpteen times. let him get at-bats in the minors and quit rushing him.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 7, 2007 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

so you think pagan should be

the everyday CF?

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you missed the sarcasm...

It's pretty evident.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Jul 7, 2007 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so here's what i would do

but i haven't given it a whole lot of thought, so don't kill me. Trade some combination of JJ, Murton, Izturis, Eyre, and a prospect for Lofton and Gagne. Or, trade them all. Pie would benefit from having Lofton in the dugout, teaching him how to use a shorter swing and how to use his speed.

by bamix1 on Jul 7, 2007 4:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why

Why would Texas want JJ or Eyre? They are not going to compete THIS year and JJ and Eyre, if they have any value (and they really do not) have value for what they give you THIS year. As for Izzy, why would any team trade for him. His inability to hit has been confirmed and that he has lost the ability to field at a high level is gone. As for Murton, Texas has lots and lots of guys in the outfield that can hit. They need pitchers. If we want Lofton and Gagne it will cost us say Marshall and Hill or Hill and Gallegher or similar cream of the crop pitchers.

by Frustrated Fan on Jul 7, 2007 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would almost bet

gagne is out of our price range. he's making a killing this year.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 7, 2007 4:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Brother...

I've been singing this song since May.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 7, 2007 5:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lofton is

another LH bat who is .224 vs LHP. We need balance. And while I wouldn't turn him down along with his $6M annual salary, he is nothing more than a 70 game player.

I'd give up any combo of Izturis, Jones and Eyre for him but definitely not Murton who is working out in RF in Iowa. Maybe a middling prospect added would be OK. No Patrick. However, I certainly wouldn't get him as long as Jones is on the roster. Your expectations for his departure, I hope, are not overstated.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 7, 2007 6:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

his .333 obp v. LHP is decent

Lofton's a stop-gap, with a ton of playoff experience. Hopefully, Pie's ready for prime time by next year.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Hendry

could get Lofton for Murton he should do it in a heartbeat before Texas's GM sobers up.

by cubsbak on Jul 7, 2007 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you rent

a 40 Year old player for 70 games at $6M per for a 26 year old guy with a .363 OBP making $.4M? Hell no.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 7, 2007 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.331 actually

In terms of what the Cubs need from a 4th OF, Pagan >> Murton

Pagan can competently play all 3 OF positions, and can hit nearly as well... Has more speed too.

Altho Pagan hasn't been given regular playing time, and has nearly as many at-bats as Murton, his ops is 100 points higher than Murton's...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.363 really

I don't agree that Pagan is a better long term solution for the Cubs than Murton even though he offers more at this time that fits our needs.

But my point was, only a foolish GM would risk a potential .300/.360 26 year old player for 70 days of a 40 year old CF. I stand by that conclusion.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I stand by the conclusion

that Murton sucks and will never be any use to the Cubs because of his lack of versatility and his inability to hit for any power. If they can ship him off to Texas for a guy who could really help the Cubs this season they'd be absolutely nuts not to do that.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 2:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So dishonest

and Jones has a .781 ops this year..

Yeah, lets hang onto Murton's 1 home run....

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 8, 2007 2:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

FYI

Here are the links to both Murton's and Jones, stats.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444875
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150218

Murton's career OPS is .804 as I said. Jones OPS this year is .629.

But at least you did get one fact correct. Murton has 1 HR this year which is obviously much less than Jones total of 2. Of course Jones does have almost twice as many AB's.

May I suggest that before calling someone dishonest, you might want to learn how to read a stat table, but that's just me.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know what I meant

No need for the condescension and bitchy post, and implying I'm an idiot who can't read a stat table..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 8, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let me get this right

You called me dishonest yet my facts were correct and yours were wrong. But I'm supposed to know that you meant the opposite of what you said. Now because I call you out on that I'm bitchy and condescending?

OK. I accept your apology. And from now on I won't imply you're an idiot.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.667 ops LF's are

a dime a dozen.. Murton = no loss. The Cubs aren't the D-Rays..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.804 OPS really

He's worth more than 70 days of work from a 40 year old CF.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 1:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

He's really not. He's a slap-hitting left fielder. The Cubs are already set at that position and not a lot of other teams have a real need for a punch-and-judy hitting left fielder who can't play any other positions. If they can move him for Lofton they should do it in a heartbeat.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 2:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes he is

If you don't want him, so be it. But don't act as if his numbers aren't factual. Lofton is a short term solution which isn't worth pursuing considering the much more pressing needs of the team.

Who do you want to take off the 25 man roster to make room for Lofton or have you ignored that fact also?

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You'd send down Pie

of course, or send Jones packing. There are many ways to do it. And I'd say not having a major league caliber center fielder on the roster is at the top of the list of the Cubs needs. And if you can get rid of a guy who has no major league future with the Cubs (and probably will never be anything more than a journeyman) to fill that need you'd be absolutely stupid not to do it.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe

that Pie is slated to be sent down when Dempster is reactivated. So now who do you get rid of?

And while you may feel Murton is valueless, many others feel quite the opposite. They see the exchange of a 26 year old player with a .363 OBP lifetime for 70 days in the life of a 40 year old making ten times the salary as further evidence of muddled thinking.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt

"many others" don't include anyone who knows anything about baseball.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It must be quite a burden

knowing everything about baseball. I applaud your humility in the face of facts to the contrary.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This from a guy

who attributes his wrongheaded opinions to "many others" and says they're "facts" when they're really the idiot ramblings of an arrogant fool.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

I never claimed to know everything about baseball, but I suppose to someone like yourself it probably seems that way.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know logic

isn't your strong suit so you may have to get help understanding this. If you claim anyone else doesn't know anything about baseball, you are claiming to know everything about baseball.

On the other hand, all I claimed was that trading Murton for Lofton was a bad idea. I'd guess that you might have to rethink your vision of arrogance.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong

and rather ironic to get a lecture on logic from someone who obviously has no idea what the word means. Just because a person can spot an idiot who knows nothing about baseball doesn't mean that person knows everything about baseball. And the fact that you think it does indicates that indeed you don't know anything about baseball and, further, you're probably not very bright.

And I disagree with your opinion that trading Murton for Lofton is a bad idea. It would be a steal.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

you got me good. It's hard to argue with the depth of your logical approach to thinking. I better go back to my book "Baseball for Dummies" while you can have your mom help finish your coloring book.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha ha

Nice comeback. Your lack of intelligence and your lack of originality come through loud and clear in that remark.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that's what you

consider proof, you might want to consider not cutting summer school.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like I said

Loud and clear.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Redundancy

is a sign of a lazy mind.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then your

redundant, childish, and unoriginal insults are the sign of a lazy mind as well as the sign of a complete moron.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's hard to debate

your thoughtful analysis. It's like dueling with an unarmed man. You have taught me a lesson. It's time to admit that only a fool believes that wisdom can be imparted to a bigger fool.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wisdom?

Is that what you think you're imparting? Not only do you appear to be unintelligent, childish, and unoriginal, you're obviously delusional.

Although your post is obviously complete nonsense, I do agree with the part where you admit you're a fool. Probably the smartest thing you've said all day.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As usual

you add nothing but the words of a fool. Instead of discussing issues, you resort to name calling. Next time you come calling, try to pack a brain.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 10, 2007 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

imo

guys like lofton are undervalued. his stats dont always tell the story. when you got speedsters like him soriano and lee at the top of the lineup other teams have problems. lofton cant be ignored when he is on base. no one is gonna pitch around him to get to lee and ramirez either. i just think that he would be a good rental for the rest of the year while pie continues to develop under alot less pressure.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 7, 2007 6:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

as of right now..

what i think we need to do. i'm pretty sure the budjet will play a big factor in what we can/cant do b4 the deadline. if these guys are available i'm about to mention i say get them. 1st i want eurw,izturis and jones dumped. then i want lofton, omar vizquel and at least one quality reliever added. then when the rosters expand we can bring up murton,coats,cedeno,pie and a couple relivers. if everyone stays healthy i think we have a damn good chance at going all the way.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 7, 2007 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think some big market team

will take a chance on Eyre. Maybe the Yankees. Lefties who've had recent success (Eyre was good last year) always seem to find a home. Moving Eyre will clear money for next year, and clear some money for adding Lofton.

The Cubs may have to DFA Izturis. He's just clogging up a roster space. I'd rather see Cedeno get another shot..

As for Jones, doesn't seem anyone wants to pay anything for him and the Cubs aren't willing to give him up for free. Sooo he may end up staying.. Regardless gotta send down Pie and get a CF. I like Pagan as a 4th OF, but he's not an everyday player..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big market

doesn't equal big stupid. Eyre has a 2.13 WHIP and makes $4M. Just which GM would you suggest is stupid enough to take on a 35 year old extra large sized reliever who can't throw strikes or get LH batters out?

As for Izturis, if we won't DFA Jones or Eyre, what makes you think whoever makes decisions on the team now is willing to eat Caesar's salary?

Keep up the good thoughts.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Izturis isn't signed through

next year you condescending doucheebag..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 8, 2007 2:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't help if

your ignorance makes it seem condescending.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So I'm stupid and

ignorant now. Nice.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 8, 2007 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your words

not mine. But I don't recall calling you nice.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The namecalling WILL STOP.

Consider yourself warned.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 8, 2007 4:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh christ Al

Dude was implying I was dumb with his post.. Sheeesh.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 8, 2007 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never said

Izturis contract extended beyond this year. But just so you don't make this mistake again, please read carefully.

If Izturis is DFA'd, we will eat his salary until the contract term is over. Since the team seems disinclined to eat salary, I doubt they would be willing to do so even in the short term. I could be wrong, but I just don't see him leaving.

However, if he is cut or traded I will gladly apologize for my presumption.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 4:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was just pointing out the difference...

If you interpreted that I was implying you thought Izturis was extended beyond this year, then I need to dumb down my future posts to you, as you aren't on my reading comprehension level.. Few are tho. lol

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 8, 2007 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please excuse me

but just what difference were you referring to? Your comments don't follow the gist of the ongoing discussion.

Perhaps if you spent more time trying to elevate your writing level, you'd be half the man you'd like others to believe you are.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 8, 2007 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

Get Christie Love!

by Josh77 on Jul 7, 2007 10:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's making moves

just to make moves. Lofton is a good player, no doubt, however where does he fit in the grand scheme of things?

6mil is a large chunk of change for a rental.

Faith Plus One - Contributing Editor -http://www.inaleagueofherown.com

by Faith plus 1 on Jul 7, 2007 10:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How's he a $6 mil rental?

Texas hasn't paid him all year? He'll be less than $6 million....

Grand scheme of things = getting into the playoffs this year..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jul 7, 2007 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's a rental

because he's only signed for a year. Unless Texas pays him, like you claim they haven't, that's a large chunk of change.

Pass.

Faith Plus One - Contributing Editor -http://www.inaleagueofherown.com

by Faith plus 1 on Jul 9, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

for one

were built to win now--right now. lofton provides a variety of things that pagan and murton cant. i'm not taking anything away from them but he's a vet with alot of post season experience. i also want omar vizquel. i mean lets face it were not going to add a whole lot of payroll. imo we can tweak the lineup a bit. omar in--izturis out. pie to aaa lofton to cf. eyre and jones to whoever and a bullpen arm or two and we can do it. i feel it and i believe it in my heart. i love my cubbies and this current team but we are built for a 1-2 year run with this squad and nows the time.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 7, 2007 11:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

His fielding is HORRIBLE.

He makes a web gem here and there but on a regular basis he
is very bad. We have enough veterans and enough outfielders.
The Cajun twins can steal the bases. He is seriously in steady
decline. Maybe we should not have let him go but I don't want him back.
Right now the ONLY thing worth trading for is a catcher. Everything else out there is going to be worthless or too expensive for our needs ( We are not going to win bidding wars
for Buhrle or Gagne etc but what other team is out sniffing for half way decent catcher ?)

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Jul 8, 2007 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hlofton

his fielding isnt any worse than jacque jones. i wish everyone here would wuit whining about getting a catcher. everyone wanted barrett gone and got their wish.everyone wanted a defensive catcher and they got it. trading barrett was a mistake.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 8, 2007 11:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A mistake?

How so? The team's winning and the pitching has been better since he left. So exactly why was this a mistake?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 8, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al...

Have you picked up any chatter about the Giants current situation? I am a little surprised that I'm not hearing more Molina/Winn/Vizquel rumors out there.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 8, 2007 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe because...

... none of those guys are really worth acquiring.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 8, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so

you wanna finish the season and go into the playoffs with 2 catchers that cant hit a lick. i dont. we gave up a offensive catcher for a catcher just like the one we had. i like watching izturis jones our pitchers and now our catchers get out every time to the plate.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 8, 2007 12:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I like watching

the Cubs win. Something they didn't do much of when that no-defense-playing idiot was behind the plate.

by cubsbak on Jul 8, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

precisely

while bowen and hill can't hit (right now) they have shown the ability to block balls in the dirt, have put Z's mind at ease about his splitter and his sinker being caught, know how to conduct a rundown, and neither one has been picked off while in scoring position. wins are what is important. the point of this diary was that the offensive stats of the catcher, while nice, are not a necessary component of a championship season.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 8, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that, sums up

what I was just going to say about Barrett. (GV beats me.) The deal seems lop-sided, and the Padres are very happy -- but it seems to have helped both teams. However, Barrett isn't the everyday starter in SD -- yet. Josh Bard is playing most of the games, so I guess that implies they have more faith in Bard as a defensive catcher -- when that's what they feel they need in the line-up, that particular day.

Perhaps with Bradley now in the line-up, and if he hits, there will be less of Barrett, and when he does play, he'll be pulled for defensive purposes if the Pads are ahead.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 8, 2007 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lofton

Hi. I regularly post on Lone Star Ball (Ranger's SBNation site) and thought I'd comment on this diary.

Lofton's having a very impressive year. At the plate he's better than ever - he's hitting .301 and has 37BBs to 25Ks. He's lost a step in CF and probably needs to be rested once or twice a week if you want him to have any gas left come October. Most of his steals came in April and May.

As far as what the Rangers would want, they don't need a light hitting corner outfielder or a middle infielder. They'd be more interested in minor league pitching.

He's owed approx 3 million on the remainder of his contract. I bet the Rangers would throw some cash your way if that made the ownership/mlb happier with the deal.

by randytx on Jul 8, 2007 8:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs