Rangers looking at veteran outfielder Lofton

StylesÃ‚â„¢ · 12-11-2006, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESPN

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IRVING, Texas -- Outfielder Kenny Lofton and the Texas Rangers are closing in on a contract agreement.

While a deal hasn't yet been reached, sources told The Associated Press and ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the team and Lofton are close to a deal.

Lofton, who turns 40 on May 31, hit .301 with 32 steals and 41 RBI for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season but was just 1-for-13 (.077) as the Dodgers were swept by the New York Mets in the first round of the playoffs.

The six-time All-Star has a .299 career average over 16 major league seasons with Houston, Cleveland, Atlanta, the Chicago White Sox, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees, Philadelphia and the Dodgers.

Lofton would likely fill the void created when All-Star center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. agreed to a $50 million, five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Matthews had a career-best year, hitting .302 with 19 home runs and 79 RBI.

Brad Wilkerson, who missed the last two months of the season after shoulder surgery, or newly acquired Frank Catalanotto will likely play left field after Carlos Lee also left as a free agent. Wilkerson and Catalanotto also could split time in the outfield and as designated hitter.

Nelson Cruz, part of the trade with Milwaukee that brought Lee to Texas last July, ended the season as the starting right fielder.

The Rangers never showed interest in re-signing Lee, the two-time National League All-Star they got last July. Lee instead signed a six-year, $100-million deal with the Houston Astros.

Mark DeRosa, who started at six different positions including the corner outfield spots last season, went to the Chicago Cubs with a chance to be their everyday second baseman.

Texas has reached agreements with two major league free agents during the offseason, a $13.5 million, three-year contract with outfielder Catalanotto and a $33.75 million, three-year deal to bring back right-hander Vicente Padilla.

The Associated Press and ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick contributed to this report.

Lofton has a bit of an attitude and has injuries every now and then, but when he's healthy he is a big RBI guy who any team would want him...those injuries and his age is keeping them away though...

Thoughts?

The Wonder Chimp · 12-11-2006, 06:13 PM

He isn't that bad of an attitude, he can also stel 30 bases if he's healthy and play good outfield because of his speed. They should sign him, he is a veteran presence too

Johnny BlazE · 12-11-2006, 07:59 PM

This would be a risky deal on the rangers side. It's a chance, like Styles said he is always fighting injuries which always kills him. Plus he is getting older and who knows what he will be doing in upcoming season. It will basically be a good season or a up and down season, i'm feeing a up/down season sense he isn't that bad and can be a great pick-up.

Rangers looking at veteran outfielder Lofton

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