The Tigers announced today that they’ve signed veteran first baseman James Loney to a minor league contract. Loney will report to extended Spring Training for the time being as he gets back up to speed after sitting out since late March, when he was released from Rangers camp.
Loney was released by the Rays early last year in the final season of a three-year, $21MM contract, though he latched on with the Mets and spent the bulk of the 2016 campaign with New York, filling in for the injured Lucas Duda. In 366 plate appearances with the Mets, Loney slashed .265/.307/.397 with nine homers, 16 doubles and a triple. Defensively, he rated out as slightly above average at first base, per Defensive Runs Saved (+2) and slightly below average, per Ultimate Zone Rating (-0.8).
The Tigers don’t have much of a need for Loney at the Major League level presently, with Miguel Cabrera locking down first base and Victor Martinez lined up as the primary designated hitter, but the 32-year-old Loney (33 next month) will add some depth to cover the team in the event of an injury. Detroit currently has Efren Navarro manning first base for its Triple-A affiliate in Toledo, though Navarro can play some corner outfield as well, and Loney comes with considerably more Major League experience. In parts of 11 Major League seasons, Loney is a career .284/.336/.410 hitter that has averaged a dozen homers and 30 doubles per 162 games played.
Very sad when a ballplayer doesn’t understand his playing days are over. So he goes to AAA to end out a career.
Maybe he just enjoys playing baseball?
If he does why not become a coach at a high school. Pass on the gift of being a ball player.
because coaching isn’t playing. This isn’t a hard distinction.
Obviously you never coached.
Who are you to tell Loney what he should do? What’s sad is you chiming in
What’s so hard to understand? He wants to PLAY not COACH.
How does experience in coaching change the definition of a word?
The amazing part about all this Chesteraarthur, padrefanforlife and Alexgordonbeckham is all your comments have 1 dislike each. You just know he’s the only one down voting all your comments.. Lol
Thank you all for saving me the time writing a lengthy response to this joker.
Good luck Loney!!! We’re all with you!!!! (Not that you’re reading this)
Not sure why you consider his career over? He did an excellent job last year for the Mets and as he only plays one position, he needs to wait for an injury to open up an MLB need. He’ll be back.
As a Mets fan I thought he did a good job. And those numbers aren’t bad. There are far worse guys on major league teams now. The only reason James is stuck is because he can only play 1st. If he could play other positions he would be on a team already.
Loney’s career is NOT quite over. He may not have a full time starting position locked down on a team, but he’s not Jimmy Rollins or Johan Santana (both of whom I would love to see discover some sort of magic.)
Good, veteran pickup. He will be a nice depth piece later in the year.
Hmmm I don’t know, maybe he enjoys PLAYING baseball
I’ve coached and played and nothing beats playing. Excitement wise anyway. But coaching is fun and a joy.
He didn’t latch on with the mets. He latched on with the padres and was traded to the mets
This makes a lot of sense. Loney is a left handed bat, which the Tigers are really lacking. And an OPS of .700 last year seems to be serviceable in a PH role. Also, Miggy and Victor aren’t getting any younger, they could use some extra days off. If Loney can show at AAA that his bat has life, I think this is a great pick up.
did you read the article? He’s not going to AAA.
Look at that majestic F9 pose.
And Matt Murton toils away in Toledo.
I did read the article. He’s starting in extended spring training. He’ll then most likely report to AAA (according to Detroit News). The only way this doesn’t happen if he’s horrible in extended spring training or a freak injury happens and is put on the Major League roster.