Kenny Lofton Rumors

Rosenthal's Latest: Tex, Furcal, Johnson, Lofton

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly. However, it's Scott Boras' custom to let the market develop until late December or so. It's possible the Angels change gears on November 14th. There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex. Rosenthal's worst case scenario for the Yankees: C.C. Sabathia goes to a West Coast team while A.J. Burnett re-signs with Toronto. The Jays truly are in the mix for Burnett. ESPN's Keith Law says Burnett...   Continue Reading

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Rays Not Interested In Bonds

Just to hammer the point home, Barry Bonds' agent Jeff Borris told Ken Rosenthal today that Rays GM Andrew Friedman failed to respond to his text message. The Rays would like to add a hitter, but they've never had serious interest in Bonds. Borris believes his client has been "blackballed" by MLB. Rosenthal says the Rays would only consider Gary Sheffield if the Tigers picked up the majority of his contract, understandably. They're not interested in Kenny Lofton or Jose Vidro.   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Washburn, Cashman, Garcia, Lofton

SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with a new column. Jarrod Washburn reportedly cleared waivers, though Heyman's use of the word "reportedly" makes me think the statement came from one of the shaky reports floating about. We'll wait for definitive word on that one. Heyman's sources say the Yankees plan to offer a new contract to GM Brian Cashman after the season. Hank Steinbrenner has apparently warmed to Cashman. Additionally, "club higherups" expect Cashman will want to stay rather than jump to the Seattle job. Heyman loves the Freddy Garcia acquisition; he wonders if Garcia will be motivated by Ozzie Guillen's...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Ibanez, Dunn, Blake, Stewart

Let's kick off the morning with some random links. Live chat here today at 2pm CST. Brian Matusz is hopeful about striking a deal with the Orioles by Friday's deadline. Roch Kubatko has a source saying it's likely. Baseball America's Jim Callis warns us not to listen to the posturing - he still expects all the first-round draft picks to sign with the possible exception of Allan Dykstra. Should the Mariners offer Raul Ibanez a three-year deal at $10-11MM per? No word yet on possible Rays acquisitions in wake of the Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria injuries. Marc Lancaster wonders...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Yankees, Padres, Fish

And now, the latest from Ken Rosenthal's Full Count video: If the Braves decide to shop Mark Teixeira, they may have a tough time getting as much as they'd like. The Red Sox, Angels, and Diamondbacks - among other contenders - are set at 1B/DH with David Ortiz, Casey Kotchman, and Conor Jackson respectively. Rosenthal notes Boston will only pursue Teixeira if Ortiz's wrist fails to heal. Brian Cashman isn't sure whether the Yankees are buyers or sellers. Most of their high paid players have no-trade clauses. Should they want to buy, Rosenthal suggests A.J. Burnett is a guy they...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Holliday, Lofton, Hudson, Greinke

Time to delve into Jayson Stark's latest column for ESPN. The Rockies are 9.5 games out, and if they slip further over the next month they may trade Matt Holliday or Garrett Atkins (not both). If so, they'd be flexible on the number and ages of the players they'd want in return. Aaron Cook will not be traded. Stark talked to one team official who speculated the Pirates could keep their outfield intact in the name of a run at .500. Presumably they'd be doing this for the fans, but diehards would probably prefer a sweet bounty of young players...   Continue Reading

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Davidoff's Latest: Padres, Garcia, Lofton

Newsday's Ken Davidoff posted a new column yesterday. Davidoff spoke to Padres GM Kevin Towers, who is not ready to throw in the towel. Realistically Towers could let all of June play out before shopping his veterans. If all goes according to plan, Freddy Garcia might appear in the Majors in late August. If so, he'd be eligible for the postseason. Davidoff implies that Kenny Lofton is asking for the same $6MM he earned last year. No wonder he's still sitting at home.   Continue Reading

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Crasnick On Remaining Free Agents

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick examines the status of nine free agents: Sammy Sosa, Kenny Lofton, Reggie Sanders, Jeff Cirillo, Royce Clayton, Steve Finley, Freddy Garcia, David Wells, and Damian Miller. Lofton is likely to find a job; he's healthy and played reasonably well last year. The Cubs still might be a fit. Seems that Garcia probably won't reach a big league mound until September; auditioning for teams may take place in July. Miller received calls from the Yankees and Padres, but he's still taking a Brewers or nothing stance.   Continue Reading

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Lofton Still Wants To Play

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, free agent Kenny Lofton "is still waiting and hoping for a chance to play." Why can't the 41 year-old outfielder find a job? With an .818 OPS last year, he still has talent. Is Lofton sitting at home for lack of interest, or is he asking for too much in terms of money or playing time? Lofton would fit with a contender; he should be used strictly against righties. Would the A's have room? Emil Brown could use a platoon partner. The Cubs might make sense if Jim Edmonds doesn't pan out. Atlanta or San...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Crede, Lofton, Millwood, Dunn

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up; let's discuss. Despite his .268/.330/.537 start, the White Sox would still entertain trading Joe Crede if it'd help the big league team. This is a change from their apparent springtime willingness to deal him for prospects. The most likely desire would be pitching, if the Sox can find a suitor. Jake Peavy put on his GM hat, suggesting the Padres sign Kenny Lofton. Rosenthal likes the idea, but notes that Kevin Towers will first turn to his farm system. I discussed some future trade candidates for San Diego in my latest...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Nady, Delgado, Clement, Lofton

Buster Olney has some thoughts. Let's have a looksee. He thinks that Xavier Nady could fit with the Mets or the Indians, but notes that the Pirates are sitting tight for now, hoping to compete this year. They'll be singing a different tune in July. Olney goes on to speculate that the Mets could release Carlos Delgado if he continues his weak hitting. Nady would seem a decent replacement, though he hasn't played first since 2006. Scott Hatteberg could be another option. In what he calls "pure speculation," Olney suggests that the Mariners trade Jeff Clement to the Red Sox...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Lofton, Owings, Sabathia

SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new column up. Heyman and Buster Olney both believe the Cubs should sign free agent Kenny Lofton to help fill in for Alfonso Soriano. However, Olney noted that the Cubs don't seem interested. Apparently the Yanks pushed hard to get Micah Owings in the Randy Johnson deal a few years ago. Ross Ohlendorf still looks interesting, at least. Heyman has heard whispers about C.C. Sabathia having arm problems but admits there's no real evidence. Sabathia threw 256.3 innings last year (postseason included), an increase of almost 60 IP over 2007.   Continue Reading

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Lofton Turned Down Two Offers

Kenny Lofton tells Ken Rosenthal, "age ain't nothing but a number." However, he feels that his age (41 in May) is the reason he's not getting offers he deems acceptable this winter. He's turned down two offers: a minor league one from the Reds and a Major League one from the Rays in excess of $1MM. Rosenthal suggests Lofton may retire, which would be a shame. I don't think fans would think less of Lofton if he played for a million or two; most wouldn't even know his salary. As a part-time player with suspect defense, does he really deserve...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Roberts, Fuentes, Lofton

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new blog post jam-packed with hot stove rumors. The Cubs are getting frustrated with the Brian Roberts situation, wondering if they'll ever complete this trade. The Orioles are scouting players but still haven't given the Cubs the names they crave. I got the exact same vibe from the source who told me Jose Ceda's inclusion was never proposed by the Cubs. The Tigers and Phillies are both hunting for bullpen help; Detroit's sights are set higher than Philadelphia's. Unwanted players such as Wes Helms and Brandon Inge aren't in demand. And while Marcus Thames is...   Continue Reading

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Rays Likely To Fill Outfield Void Through Trade

According to Marc Lancaster, the Rays would prefer to fill their need for a fourth outfielder via trade as opposed to signing a free agent such as Kenny Lofton. Lancaster notes the Rays are likely to offer one of their surplus of starting pitchers. The Rays have five pitchers competing for the final two spots in the rotation and two of those pitchers (Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel) are out of options. In addition Lancaster mentions that the Rays have a number of pitching prospects at AA and AAA that could be included in a deal. The Rays would prefer...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Horacio, Willits

Rumor guru and baseball insider Ken Rosenthal has a new column at FOX Sports. Let's discuss. Rosenthal does not see the Cubs taking on the salaries of both Brian Roberts and Coco Crisp, even if they shed their Jason Marquis commitment. Roberts remains the focus. Horacio Ramirez's agent says seven clubs have already expressed interest in his client. Perhaps he meant to say 0.7. Rosenthal runs through many Rocco Baldelli replacement options for the Rays: Reggie Willits, Kenny Lofton, Gabe Gross, and Reed Johnson. Only Willits seems the perfect fit, and the Angels aren't making him available. Willits and his...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Davis, Valdez, Roberts, Lofton

ESPN's Jayson Stark checks in with a blog entry jam-packed with rumorage. Stark says the Giants are shopping Rich Aurilia, Ray Durham, Steve Kline, Randy Winn, Tyler Walker, Rajai Davis, and Merkin Valdez. The vets we knew about; the last two are a surprise. Probably stems from both being out of options. Brian Roberts update: Stark talked to a club official who's in touch with the Cubs and O's. That guy expects a deal to be done next week. Plus, Stark sees the O's as an active suitor for Kyle Lohse at the right price. Stark confirms the rumblings that...   Continue Reading

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Baldelli's Hamstrings May Open Door For Lofton

With Rocco Baldelli appearing only twice in spring games this year, the Rays may consider reviving talks with free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton. Tampa Bay's right field and fourth outfielder depth is light enough that they've begun to look at infielders Joel Guzman and Ben Zobrist at left and right field, respectively. Ray's manager Joe Maddon won't even guess when Baldelli will return to full-time play. Baldelli is nursing sore hamstrings this spring. He's expected to play right field, if he can run, and will split time with Cliff Floyd and Jonny Gomes at DH. Given Floyd's fragility, the Rays...   Continue Reading

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Reds Sign Corey Patterson

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have signed 28 year-old center fielder Corey Patterson to a minor league deal. Patterson, a Boras client, makes for a surprising bargain with a dash of upside. He happened to reach free agency in an offseason with a center field surplus. He's reunited with former Cubs manager Dusty Baker, who some say mishandled Patterson at times. Fay believes this takes Kenny Lofton off the table for Cincy. The Reds are calling it a center field competition, but Patterson will probably get the gig. This will allow the Reds to keep...   Continue Reading

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Hairston Key To Pads' OF Dealings

The Padres still may need more outfield help. Centerfielder Jim Edmonds and rightfielder Brian Giles both are well into the brittle phases of their careers. Sean Devaney of the Sporting News has Kevin Towers casting his left field lot with Scott Hairston - for the time being. Look for more chatter about Jason Bay, Matt Murton and any other available outfielder if Hairston fails to lock the job down within three weeks. It's unclear whether Gabe Gross (who is out of options) is currently of interest. Kenny Lofton could be a free agent possibility. Would Towers be willing to part...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Patterson, Lohse, Lofton, Clemens

Finally, new info regarding some of the remaining free agents. Jayson Stark has the scoop. Seems there's a chance Corey Patterson takes a cheap deal to return to Baltimore. He could be relegated to fourth outfielder duty in that case. Stark says the Marlins have discussed Patterson internally, but aren't sure if they could afford the Boras client. Patterson would be a nice stopgap for Cameron Maybin, who'd be well-served with some time in Triple A. Ken Rosenthal also mentioned the Florida possibility. One of the most surprising free agents at this point is Kyle Lohse. Stark shoots down the...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton

FOX's Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training. The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards' interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal's agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the '08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in...   Continue Reading

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Rays Considering Bonds, Piazza, Lofton

12:28pm: Andrew Friedman denies it, calling the Bonds rumor a "non-story." They never even had a harmless internal conversation about Bonds, then? 11:27am: Japan is a legitimate possibility for Barry Bonds, but he may not have exhausted his MLB options just yet. Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times says the Rays have had internal discussions about signing Bonds (hat tip DRays Bay). At some point, one of the 30 teams is going to acknowledge that Bonds adds wins. Most fans have proven that they care more about wins than steroid use. Other considerations for the Rays include Mike Piazza...   Continue Reading

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Dusty Talks To Lofton, Patterson

Cubs center fielders hit a fine .302/.344/.466 for Dusty Baker's 2003 club, which came within five outs of a World Series appearance. Most of the ABs at the position went to Corey Patterson and Kenny Lofton that year. Dusty's managing the Reds now, and both center fielders remain free agents as of February 17th. The Reds have some uncertainty in center field, though Jay Bruce is a stud and Ryan Freel is said to be 100%. According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Baker has spoken to both Lofton and Patterson recently. They are options for the Reds; Baker...   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 1-25-08 at 9:46pm: According to LEN3: I was told today that next week is a big week in terms of determining if and where Santana will be dealt. The end is in sight, then? FROM 1-25-08 at 9:30am: Time for your daily Johan Santana rumors post. LEN3 talked to a Twins official who said there had been no recent extension talks between Santana and the Twins. Meanwhile Sid Hartman at the same paper says the Mets and Yankees won't go seven years, and he think the Twins' 4/80 offer is fair. Neal says that while Santana won't necessarily veto..   Continue Reading

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Brewers Rumors: DeJesus, Lofton

Tom Haudricourt recently spoke with Brewers' GM Doug Melvin. He learned that Melvin spoke with the Royals about David DeJesus at the Winter Meetings, but the Royals have backed off on those talks after signing Jose Guillen. Melvin doesn't expect DeJesus to be traded. I talked to the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton recently about DeJesus' trade value, if you're interested. Meanwhile the Brewers are still considering Kenny Lofton. They're just debating whether they want to use him in left or move Bill Hall, neither of which appeals to them   Continue Reading

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Brewers Considering Luis Gonzalez, Kenny Lofton

The Brewers are in the hunt for a left-handed hitting left fielder. Luis Gonzalez and Kenny Lofton remain under consideration. With Gonzo, the interest is mutual. I'm thinking Gonzalez would be happy with $4MM or so, maybe some incentives too. I think he just wants to get 400+ ABs somewhere. He could only play left field, which would seemingly lock Ryan Braun in at third. Lofton could play left and Braun could stay at third. Or, Lofton could shift to center, Bill Hall to third, and Braun to left. I'm not sure which alignment is optimal. Thoughts   Continue Reading

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Brewers Like Lofton?

UPDATE, 12-21-07 at 10:50am: Brewers GM Doug Melvin says he hasn't spoken to Lofton's agent for weeks. FROM 12-20-07 at 11:51am: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Brewers have their eye on free agent center fielder Kenny Lofton. Such a signing would allow them to shift Bill Hall to third base and Ryan Braun to left field. How much of a defensive gain would they get from this? One reader suggested to me that the Crew might instead just use Lofton in left and leave Hall and Braun where they are. Lofton is terrible against southpaws, so the Brewers would..   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Prior, Lofton, Otsuka

ESPN's Jayson Stark dishes some good rumorage in his latest column. Stark dug around to find all the Mark Prior suitors and came up with this list: Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners, Mets, Cardinals, Padres, Astros, Giants, Reds, Nationals (11 teams). Let's compare notes. MLBTR readers have seen the Yankees, Mets, Cards, Padres, Astros, Reds, and Nats linked to Prior already. So Stark has added the Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners, and Giants. The idea of the Mariners runs contrary to this MLB.com article. Stark did not name the Rangers, who are said to be aggressively pursuing Prior. Prior..   Continue Reading

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Nationals Rumors: Colon, Fukumori

MLB.com's Bill Ladson has a handful of Nationals rumors tonight. As you know, Damian Miller, Johnny Estrada, and Miguel Montero have been targeted at the catcher position. The Nats want to sign Bartolo Colon to a one-year deal, but it appears he craves multiple years. As mentioned earlier, the Nats like Kazuo Fukumori. What we didn't mention earlier was the idea that Fukumori could start. The notion seems questionable, as the 31 year-old hasn't started a game since 2002. The Nationals have no interest in David Eckstein or Kenny Lofton, despite their desire for a leadoff hitter. They certainly don't..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Abreu, Beckett, Helton, Schilling

Friday afternoon rumor tidbits... The Indians will probably let Kenny Lofton leave while exercising Joe Borowski's $4MM option. No big surprise there. Nor is it a surprise that the Yankees are heavily leaning towards exercising Bobby Abreu's $16MM option. From the what might've been department: Red Sox owner John Henry was in favor of signing A.J. Burnett instead of trading for Josh Beckett. One could make a solid argument that the Red Sox would be better off if Henry had gotten his wish. Beckett and Julio Lugo combined for 8.6 wins at $14MM this year while Burnett and Hanley Ramirez..   Continue Reading

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Indians Trade For Kenny Lofton

According to Dennis Manoloff, the Indians are close to acquiring outfielder Kenny Lofton. The Rangers will receive catcher Max Ramirez, who the Indians got for Bob Wickman last year. Ramirez, 22, has a nice .923 OPS in 77 High A games. However, Baseball Prospectus's Nate Silver is skeptical. This acquisition certainly wouldn't stop the Rangers from getting Jarrod Saltalamacchia. It's great to see Lofton back in Cleveland, even if he won't be in center field. He's been around forever, but still knows how to get on base and swipe 'em with a high success rate. Probably not someone you want..   Continue Reading

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New Plan: Extension For Gagne

The Rangers are throwing trade rumor junkies a curveball - they're now thinking about hanging onto Eric Gagne and signing him to a contract extension. This development may be related to the limited trade options for the rejuvenated closer. Keep in mind that the extension talk may just be lip service. As a Scott Boras client, wouldn't the oft-injured Gagne require a good three years, $36MM guaranteed? That's my guess. That would be very risky. Assuming Mariano Rivera remains a Yankee, Francisco Cordero will be the only free agent closer near Gagne's level. Nice timing for Coco, by the way...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Hunter, Contreras

The latest trade and signing rumors from Ken Rosenthal: Rosenthal believes Alex Rodriguez's ability to play shortstop could increase the number of suitors. Take a look at the free agents - there may not be a single viable option at short this winter. Still, the number of suitors for Rodriguez is severely limited by his massive contract requirement. Not too many clubs aside from the Yankees and Red Sox can get in on $240MM over eight years or whatever. The lack of available, reasonably priced shortstops could compel the Braves and Orioles to aggressively shop Edgar Renteria and Miguel Tejada...   Continue Reading

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Indians, Brewers Interested In Lofton

Kenny Lofton is the perfect mercenary. He's been with a million different teams, and has 84 games of playoff experience. Even at age 40, he provides an OBP spark atop the lineup. He makes $6MM this year for the Rangers, so there's about $2.6MM left on his contract. He gets another $100K if he's traded. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Lofton has "drawn significant interest from Cleveland and Milwaukee." Other teams are checking him out as well. It'd be fun to see Lofton back with the Tribe, the team he's best known for. He actually came..   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest

Jayson Stark has an assessment of the trade market over at ESPN.com. Aside from the usual Mark Teixeira/Eric Gagne mentions, Stark believes many Rangers may be headed out at the trading deadline. Specifically, he names Brad Wilkerson, Kenny Lofton, and Sammy Sosa. Lofton is always a good midseason mercenary. He's like a Mike Stanton in that way. Ken Griffey Jr. would approve a trade to Atlanta and might consider certain other teams. Junior is making $12.5MM this year and next, plus a $4MM buyout for '09. Quite a bit of the contract is deferred, also. $29MM over 2007-08 is still..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Sign Lofton

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Rangers are close to signing the one legitimate center fielder remaining on the free agent market - Kenny Lofton. All that would be left: Darin Erstad and Steve Finley. Lofton will turn 40 in May. He's above average offensively for his position, though his range is obviously slipping. The Rangers will sort out the corners and DH spot with Frank Catalanotto, Brad Wilkerson, Nelson Cruz, and Jason Botts. The Cubs may have to get creative for their CF vacancy until Felix Pie is ready. UPDATE: The deal is said to be for one year and..   Continue Reading

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Rogers: Cubs After Lofton

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are "working to sign" Kenny Lofton to play center field. Rogers was quoting a Major League source in the article. Should Julio Lugo opt for the Mets or Red Sox, the Cubs are basically left with Lofton as the only reasonable free agent center fielder. The backup plan appears to be using Alfonso Soriano there. I think Lofton is a fine idea for the Cubs; I thought so last year too. You get a decent OBP on a one-year deal. Lofton's defense doesn't impress at this point, and 130 games..   Continue Reading

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