Kenny Lofton?
by paulucla on May 2, 2008 9:31 AM CDT
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Can someone please explain to me why I am not hearing Kenny Lofton as a possible solution to two of our biggest problems? He's sitting at home, and he's cheap. He still had a good ave/obp last year and is still capable in center field. He can solve both the CF problem and the leadoff problem and we don't even have to give anyone up to get him.
Just put Soriano down in the 7th hole and let him figure it out. We can deal with his streakiness there, but not in front of the big bats in our lineup. He's costing us runs on almost a daily basis, and for what? To wait for his 3 week streak where he hits 7 solo homers? Give me a break. Stop putting ego before the team. Get Kenny Lofton and move Soriano down to 7th in the lineup where he belongs.
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We don't have a CF problem.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 2, 2008 9:34 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Yes, we do
Look, Reed Johnson’s a nice player. A good 4th or 5th outfielder. Pie’s not ready, particularly on this team given its needs offensively, to be the everyday center fielder.
Johnson gives you a projected .340 OBP and can’t steal bases. Lofton gives you a projected .360+ OBP and even at 40 years old managed to steal 46 bases last year.
It’s really not close. Lofton is a clear upgrade in CF over our current situation.
by paulucla on May 2, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who do you drop?
So, if you pick up Lofton, who do you drop off of the roster? You can’t just add a player without dropping someone. I’m guessing that you’d probably want to send Pie back to the minors for some work, since you’re bringing in another outfielder anyways.
It has probably already been discussed here enough that Pie needs a chance to play in the bigs. Personally, i’d much rather see that than a 41 year old stopgap player, even if it is someone at the caliber of Lofton.
by steinmer on May 2, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Send Pie back down
It’s not like he’s out of options and the coaches can continue to work on his stroke (as in shortening it). He has far too much potential to just let go and unless there is a mind-blowing trade Hendry is working on here, Lofton will come cheap and if he truly flames out, he can be released without much financial downside a month or two later and whatever Pie’s learned in the minors playing everyday, not 1 in 3, he’ll be better for it.
by blackhawk24 on May 2, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
send fontenot down
And put Derosa back at 2nd and keep Cedeno as your bench player.
I’d rather let Pie play for now though. I still haven’t seen enough consistent at bats.
by walsh2317 on May 2, 2008 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what would constitute a CF problem?
We have one guy with an OPS+ of 88 and another with a 43. I’d say that’s reason to worry right there.
by Luis on May 2, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Position Problems...
I’d like you to name a single MLB team that doesn’t have question marks surrounding one or two positions on the field. It’s just the way the game works. Not a single team is perfect at all positions. That said, if our problems are with CF, then i’m pretty happy that we have things nailed down at the other 7 positions on the field (we’ll leave pitching out of this for right now)
by steinmer on May 2, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LF is a problem too
Especially considering the production you expect out of that position.
by Luis on May 2, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano
I’m not going to let this get into a debate about Soriano, that’s another post at another time…
But LF isn’t a ‘problem’ for us given the fact that we have a high value veteran signed in that position for many years to come. A ‘problem’ position for us would be 3rd base for the Cubs before they got Ramirez for instance. Or RF for the Cubs in recent years before Fukudome came along this year.
by steinmer on May 2, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone project Lofton's OPS+ for this season?
And I’m not being sarcastic—just curious.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on May 2, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There will be another outfielder in town shortly
Somebody will be added to this ballclub to replace Felix Pie. Probably another complementary player in the mold of Reed Johnson. Whether it is a Kenny Lofton or somebody else I have no idea. One problem with Lofton is that he is a terrible centerfielder at this stage. He really is restricted to playing left field.
by MDBNIU on May 2, 2008 9:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not true
Lofton’s fielding stats in CF the last couple years are just barely below league average. He’s clearly no Pie, but Pie doesn’t get OB at a .360+ clip, steal 40 bases, and solve our leadoff problem, and he hasn’t been the postseason 11 times in a 17 year career.
by paulucla on May 2, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We already have Kenny Lofton.
His name is Reed Johnson.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on May 2, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not even close
.340 OBP with no threat to steal is not the same as .360 OBP with 40 steals.
by paulucla on May 2, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lofton will be 41 at the end of this month.
40 steals? Maybe last year. If teams thought he could do that again, he’d have already been signed somewhere.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops
I screwed up reading his SB totals. But 20 steals would be an improvement over Johnson’s 0-5.
Look, I’m not saying I’m 100% sure it would be the perfect solution, but why not sign him to a one year contract and send him to Iowa for 3 weeks and go from there? The downside is eating a one year contract in a season where we are world series contenders. The upside is a solid leadoff guy and a veteran who has been to the postseason 11 times.
by paulucla on May 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tend to agree...
...for the Cubs to go after Lofton, it would mean they are quite desperate, and I doubt it gets to that point.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on May 2, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lofton last had 40 steals in 1998.
10 years ago.
Last year, Lofton had 23 SB. (Steals are overrated.) True, Lofton had a .367 OBP.
So we’re going to buy another player just to get a .020 OBP bump? Not to mention, he’s 41?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on May 2, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn you with your facts
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
by El Borto on May 2, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2003 Answer, But Not 2008 Answer
Lofton did a good job for the Cubs in 2003 replacing Corey Patterson, after C-Pat got hurt. Lofton did have a good year at an advanced age last year, but can you really expect the same production out of the guy being one year older? The current CF situation may not be ideal with Reed Johnson and Felix Pie, but I don’t see the 2008 version of Lofton as the answer.
by memphiscub on May 2, 2008 9:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
Lofton’s name has been coming up since the off-season. I still see him as a step backwards. A desperation move. And, as others have pointed out, the powers-that-be within multiple baseball organizations must know something we don’t, because Kenny Lofton doesn’t have a job.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on May 2, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm
Oh, i dunno if I would agree that the “multiple baseball organizations must know something we don’t.” I have a feeling he’s unsigned because of his age and the fallout of steroid era (i know lofton was never a homerun guy, but it seems that everybody wants to erase the nineties and the players which prospered).
by TheHawkRules on May 2, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I'm reaching
I’m just thoroughly frustrated with Soriano more then anything, and with the organization’s insistence on letting him leadoff which imo is threatening our chances to win the division and the world series. Look at Soriano’s lifetime stats, HE IS NOT A LEADOFF HITTER. Look at his postseason stats especially. Ugh.
Bat him 7th or 8th and I can deal with his .310 OBP and streaky home runs. No problem. But keep him leading off and they are putting the ego of one player over what’s currently best for the team in a year we are legit contenders to win it all.
by paulucla on May 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
problem is
put him 7th or 8th, and it’s entirely possible his “streaky home runs” disappear entirely.
Relatively, he bats much better in the 1 hole.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 2, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad to say I think Lofton's time has passed
He might still be a decent roleplayer somewhere but I think the Lofton who was such a sparkplug for us during the last half of ‘03 is pretty much gone for good. I like Reed johnson a lot-he’s a classic, old school-type ballplayer-I don’t think he’s the long term answer but, at the same time, I don’t see where lofton would be much (if any) of an upgrade.
by bluekoolaide on May 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Johnson is what we need for now
he’s a decent bat, who will probably hit around .280 and be a bridge to Pie when he is completely ready
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
by Chanman25 on May 2, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson is what we need for now
he’s a decent bat, who will probably hit around .280 and be a bridge to Pie when he is completely ready
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
by Chanman25 on May 2, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Johnson what we need for now?
I kid.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on May 2, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson
I don’t think many people realize how good of a pickup Reed Johnson was for this team. It was almost like the Blue Jays DFA’ed him as a gift to Cubdome.
If you remember in the offseason, Hendry was talking about how we needed a backup outfielder that can play all outfield positions. Well, you pretty much got that in Johnson. Not only that, but you got a guy that fits in our new mold of having good plate presence and high OBP.
Oh ya, and we got him for just a little over a million a year. Can’t beat that.
Check out Reed’s Wiki page. I don’t see anything on here that I don’t like….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reed_Johnson
by steinmer on May 2, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He is awesome and I for one
would be fine if he were our every day CF.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on May 2, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
... I think you’d wind up disappointed if Reed played every day. He’d wear down and not hit for any power and strike out too much.
But as a platoon player - maybe “platoon plus” - he’s just fine.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 2, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Absolutely Agree...
... as long as the Cubs keep winning at a .555 clip, I think that Piniella will continue to keep Pie batting 8th and figure things out. His defense alone will save runs, which in turn can save games.
Johnson stays sharp if he platoons with Pie. Same with Cedeno.
Soriano will come around – it’s only a matter of time.
For the record, we are winning at a .607 clip. We are on pace to win 98 games. 98 games!!
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on May 2, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
He had a nice run right out of the gate but I think his main value is going to be coming off the bench/platooning. Trust Lou-I’m sure he knows this better than anybody.
by bluekoolaide on May 2, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey
at this point, I would be fine with him in CF every day, I must stand by my statement.
What we have out there now is weak as hell.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on May 2, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And get another CF?
If there is a problem it is that there are too many OF’s and nowhere to play them at the same time. I think Kenny Lofton is at most a platoon player at his age. We do not need another one of those.
by Fraggin Judge on May 2, 2008 10:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Loften
I don’t know if we need him here, but I’m surprised that no teams have signed him… even for a backup spot. I believe he still has a little left in the tank. I’m disappointed no one has at least given him a shot.
by TheHawkRules on May 2, 2008 10:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
stats
In 135 games, he had 86 runs, batted close to .300 (.296), struck out only 51 times, stole 23 bases, and had an OBP of .367. If he could still do that, he should be playing somewhere. You know he’d be cheap, so I’m disturbed that he has been given up on.
PS. Don’t forget his post season experience either.
by TheHawkRules on May 2, 2008 11:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pie.....Lofton
I think it’s time to end the Felix Pie experiment. He is showing no improvement….....I realize it’s early but he is continually weak on the same kinds of pitches. He’s basically an automatic out. Trade him and try to get whatever value he may have left. No sense in sending him down to bash AAA pitching. I would feel good with a platoon of Lofton/Johnson in CF…....with Colvin hopefully waiting to take over next year. I agree with above who say Reed is a very nice part time player…..just not everyday. I really wish I had hopes for Pie but my eyes are telling me different. If he showed some or any improvement…great…...but bottom line is he has not.
by plenz on May 2, 2008 11:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I cringe
when a ball is hit to CF if Pie isn’t there. I also cringe when balls are hit between 2B and SS when Theriot is playing SS.
If our defense isn’t strong up the middle, our pitching will suck. No one has ever struck out 27 hitters in 9 innings in a MLB game.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
by Tekboy on May 2, 2008 11:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Meh, Johnson's ability to catch the ball doesn't worry me too much, but his arm is no match for Felix's.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on May 2, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cringe?
When Reed Johnson is in CF???? Pie can field but no way we win with CF hitting a buck fifty
by plenz on May 2, 2008 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Um, actually Felix is hitting .200 at the moment...
...in 45 ABs. Reed Johnson is closing in on twice that number (of ABs, that is).
Then again, 1Dec has the exact same number of ABs as Felix - 45 - and is hitting .378/.462/.578. Then yet again, consider how many more career major league ABs Ronny has over Felix.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on May 2, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed
Pie won’t hit a buck fifty over the long haul. He needs consistent playing time. As Reed cools off, which he will, Pie’s time should go up and so will his numbers. In the meantime, his defense will be key, especially with Soriano back in LF.
by Rynofan23-5 on May 2, 2008 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree Reed
has already started to cool off and the more he plays he will show he is not an everyday player. The Cubs need another lefthanded bat in the line-up they are way to right handed. Unfortunately, Pie is not ready for the Major Leagues right now. They need to find a lefthanded bat for center field Griffey would be the perfect fit but I amsure the Reds would not trade him to the Cubs and if they did it would cost way too much young talent. Brad Wilkerson was just released from Seattle and I would not be surprised to see the Cubs pick him up because he has always been a favorite of Hendry.
by cubdreamer on May 2, 2008 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd still like to see
Pie get a solid string of starts – say 10-15 games worth – before saying his plug should be pulled, or he should be sent down, or anything of the sort. We all expected him to get his chance to start out of the gates this year and that didn’t happen. In my mind, he hasn’t had his opportunity yet.
"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young
by Kegler on May 2, 2008 2:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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