What about Kenny Lofton?

[Lil Dummy]

Grizzled playoff vet. Hitting over .300 w/ 20 steals for a lousy Rangers team that's going nowhere. The primary problem is that he's an every day guy that the Crew wouldn't use every day, but if he'd be willing to be the fourth outfielder, take some spot starts in center vs. righties, pinch hit and pinch run, he'd be like a studly version of Gwynn Jr for the stretch run.

 

No idea what his contract is, and the Rangers asking price would probably be too steep, aside from the chemistry/playing time issues, but hey, this is the kind of stuff I like to think about. Everyone can now pile on and tell me why this is stupid. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[JoeHova]

It's not a bad idea if he is available for cheap. The thing I would worry about is how he would take being a seldom used backup. I like Lofton, but he cost SF the 2002 World Series by refusing to be the DH, leaving a much superior defender (Tsuyoshi Shinjo) to be the DH. Lofton proceeded to butcher numerous plays in center that Shinjo would have made easily and San Francisco squandered their lead and lost the series.

 

For that reason, I'm not sure if I'm in favor of getting Kenny, despite his skills. The Brewers already have one OF who is very unhappy with his PT (Mench), I'm not sure adding a second would be the best move. Now, if Bill gets injured, I'm heavily in favor of this move. Otherwise, I think it's too risky.

[Big Reed]

lofton has played in a platoon for a couple of teams in the past. Although he usually got the majority of the atbats in that platoon. I have never heard him complain about doing so.

 

the problem as I see it is that Hall is finally starting to explode. Would we want to platoon hall with lofton and lose what hall is currently doing?

 

Hart has been tremendous batting lead-off. if we signed lofton, would lofton bat lead-off instead of Hart?

 

I would like to acquire lofton. he's a nice veteran. he has some speed, and has been on some winning teams and seems to be a good overall person. but, I' m not sure where and how the brewers would use him if at all.

 

an old guy I would like to see still playing is Bernie Williams. I think the Yankees demise this year has more to do with the absence of bernie than they would openly admit. Not only was he a great hitter, he was a clutch hitter and great club house influence.

[Boy Jeenius]

Lofton for Gross even up might make sense. Gross can play CF, and with some pop in his bat in that park, he'd probably be pretty good. Lofton as a veteran 4th outfielder in a pennant drive would also make plenty of sense. Do it.

[TCSM]

I might consider this if Hart didn't heat up like he did as well as Hall. At this point he'd be a better 4th OF over Gross, so if he's available cheap yeah why not.

[dadofandrew]

Lofton should be a top target, as he could step right in if someone got hurt, and while Gross or Gwynn could do that, you would not feel very secure.

 

I've been mentioning him on Ramblings for a while now, he and Otsuka would be quite a coup.

[DrWood]

lofton only makes sense if Hall gets injured.

[Big Reed]

i would agree with you Dr Wood, except.

 

I'd rather have lofton on our team before Hall gets injured, than to try to trade for him after Hall gets injured.

 

I can't forsee the rangers asking for much in return for lofton currently. We could probably obtain him for gwynn or gross and throw in a AA pitcher.

 

however, if hall is injured and out for the season, i could see a lot of teams asking a lot more for their veteran Cf knowing that we'd have to pay their asking price. I could see texas demanding a better player in return for lofton. Kinsler is now injured. How about graffy for Lofton?

[dadofandrew]

TEX has no interest in getting older. They would be looking for kids or young talent. Gross would be as old it they would have a use for.

[Big Reed]

I still believe it would be the smarter move to acquire lofton before hall gets injured, than to try to look for an injury replacement player after the fact.

 

Fortunately we already had graffy and counsel in place when Weeks was injured.

[DrWood]

well, lets get a replacement for Prince, and Hart, too. They might get hurt...

[randybreuerfan]

Yeah Big Reed, what sort of inside information do you have?

[marquetteryan15]

Bill Hall and a high ankle sprain...those can take a while to heal.

[hauser42]

Lofton would be a solid choice to bring in if Bill Hall is out for a while. He could bat at the top of the lineup and move Hart down into a run prdoucing spot.

[DrWood]

reed clearly has a voodoo doll of bill hall and he stuck a pin in it's ankle. Keep your hands away from the fielder, braun, and sheets dolls, reed.

[Big Reed]

sorry guys. I guess it's ok to go after Lofton now. he probably would have been cheaper last week.

 

I guess I shouldn't have suggested we also acquire Nomar because he can play first, shortstop and third.

[dadofandrew]

Unless a time machine is included, I don't think Nomar can play SS anymore.

[jaybird2001wi]

Here is what I was thinking of in regards to acquiring Lofton:

 

To Milwaukee:

P Akinori Otsuka

OF Kenny Lofton

 

To Texas:

OF Tony Gwynn Jr.

OF Laynce Nix or P Zach Jackson

[ryanbraun75]

www.rotoworld.com/content...?sport=MLB

 

I could see a trade involving Lofton and Otsuka... The brewers had scouts at the game last night. But if anyone remembers, the brewers had a chance at signing him in the offseason but they decided to put hall incenter instead.

[Never Outhustled]

Hopefully the Rangers can hold there lead today so Otsuka gets a chance to pitch, and show he's healthy. Its smart the scouts are there to see his stuff 1st hand. I really want Otsuka, though I don't know what pitcher to get rid of to make room for him. I'd guess they'd go with a 13 man staff until the Sheets situation resolves itself.

[Never Outhustled]

The Rangers win in 11 today, yet no Otsuka. If he's healthy, I'd think he would have pitched today. Very fishy

[brettac1]

Yeah, that's worrisome.

 

One thing that kind of makes me wonder regarding Lofton is that he has been awesome for a month and a half now (I think I read in that Rotoworld link he's 9th in OPS since June 1), and you have to figure that he's bound to regress.