Lofton heading to Cleveland?

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2007 12:12 PM CDT in News Comment 65 comments

ESPN in Cleveland has announced there will be a press conference at 4 p.m. today to announce a "significant" trade involving the Indians.

The Plain Dealer blog says it is going to be Lofton heading to Cleveland.

Comments

DMN

Dallas Morning News has it announced on its main page already.

by brian mac on Jul 27, 2007 12:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ramirez

i hear he's a bat but can't catch. a future 1b maybe?

make the atlanta trade, bring on the salt

Al Gore 2008 http://www.myspace.com/igotsculture

by gossamer on Jul 27, 2007 12:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oops

maybe 3b, not 1b

http://babybraves.blogspot.com/2006/06/prospect-profile-max-ramirez.html

Max's future position is still somewhat in the air. He has played catcher the last couple of seasons but has spent much of 2006 as a DH. He has had previous experience in the infield and could turn out to be a third baseman. At 5-11 he is too short to be a first baseman. I think he'll continue to be a catcher known for his offense and not for his defense. His offense is why he is a top prospect. I think Max projects as a very good hitter in the major leagues and possibly a .300 hitter. His plate discipline is what sets him apart from most other Braves prospects. He should also develop decent 15-20 home run pop as well. With many fine catchers in the Braves organization, his position is still up in the air but no one questions his bat.

Al Gore 2008 http://www.myspace.com/igotsculture

by gossamer on Jul 27, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It appears

per baseballcube that he was a 3B in rookie ball, but it also says that he made a start on the mound last year at Rome, where he went 4.2IP. Can't imagine that is correct.

by badradiorules on Jul 27, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does this mean that....

Botts may FINALLY be called up? I guess Sosa still inhibits that to an extent.

"Chip" first person on LSB to be berated by someone on the 25-man roster. - RangerMoto

by ortonius on Jul 27, 2007 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

One would hope.

Byrd and Hairston play CF, Wilkerson in one corner OF slot, Cat in the other, Botts at DH.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It could mean..

That we have Botts' replacement as our future DH.

Obviously you're not a golfer.

by chief on Jul 27, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fair thee well kenny

nice pickup by JD, gave the rangers a good 2/3 season in CF and a decent hitting prospect back.

would have licked to see a pitcher instead, but oh well.

good luck in cleveland, i hope they make the playoffs.

by DSheppard on Jul 27, 2007 12:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

got this from MLBTR

"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."
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/index.php?s=max+ramirez

does this make sense for the rangers. I know we were trying to get rid of the guy, but for another catcher? This guy is about as far along as Teagarden and probably won't be playing catcher long term.

by Lonerangers on Jul 27, 2007 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like

Minor league backfill for Botts, who should be up quickly now. A young bat with high OBP.

There are also projections "out there" he may be able to play 3B, since he was an infielder before turning to catching.

Time does funny things. The worst of which is, it keeps moving when you don't.

by Ed Coffin on Jul 27, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

he was 3b before the catcher switch.

he could be piazza lite or a 3b/dh i guess

Al Gore 2008 http://www.myspace.com/igotsculture

by gossamer on Jul 27, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if he wont be a catcher long term

then what does it matter that we have a lot of catchers.

i think they didnt like any pitchers offered so they just took the best bat they could get, regardless of position.

by DSheppard on Jul 27, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Daniels...

has brought a lot of catchers into the organization. Like relief pitching, decent catchers are rare enough that you could pick a worse organizational strength.

by benmor78 on Jul 27, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez

It looks like he is a hitter first, which, to me, is more important than position. Thanks Kenny, hopefully we see you back here next year. Not a bad deal. Wets the appetite for more.

by badradiorules on Jul 27, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is that

the case with saltalamacchia as well?

by Lonerangers on Jul 27, 2007 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which part?

by badradiorules on Jul 27, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that the position he plays doesn't matter

if he is a good hitter first

by Lonerangers on Jul 27, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Somewhat

He's the centerpiece of much bigger deal. I think that his bat will need to play at first whether HE plays there or catcher.

They need to be sure that he is a middle of the order guy if they pull the trigger on that trade.

We have a need at either position, so I don't think it matters a whole lot, but if he can catch, that opens a place to go get a premier bat at 1B.

by badradiorules on Jul 27, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not really

saltalamacchia is said to be a decent catcher. good arm, ok other defensive skills and could most likely hold down the position in the big leagues.

anyway, i was reading some cleveland forums and quite a few people were upset about giving up ramirez even though they liked getting lofton. seems like this was a solid trade.

by DSheppard on Jul 27, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea

i agree solid trade for both teams. I like ramirez and hope he works out for us. But in the comment badradio made he said he cared more that ramirez was a hitter, and that him not being a good catcher didn't matter much. So i simply asked how come Saltalamacchia being a good catcher does matter, then?

I personally think it should matter in both cases.

by Lonerangers on Jul 27, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why with Ramirez?

We didn't need a future superstar for Lofton. We have catching depth in the organization. We don't have hitting depth in the organization. I think everybody would be really pleased if he turned out to be Seanz, a nice hitter that can fill in at 3B, 1B, DH.

When you are looking at the centerpiece of a blockbuster, he needs to bring more to the table.

by badradiorules on Jul 27, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

speaking of future superstars

(they were talking about this on BaD radio) why hasn't there been any talks about McCann for Teix instead of Salty? Wouldn't that be a better return for us?

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 27, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

McCann

McCann is signed to a 6 year $28mil(?)deal and is a part of the "Georgia Boy" (Baby Braves) clique in Atlanta. If he were ever traded it is said he and Franceour would need seperation disorder therapy. Saltalamacchia is the much superior backstop. 6'4" 240# switch hitter for power and average, above average defensive skills with a cannon arm who pitchers love to throw to. He also from what I have seen was looking good at 1B.

by 525DP on Jul 27, 2007 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If this trade...

gets Botts to Arlington, it was worth WHOEVER we get. :)

Let the trading frenzy begin!!!

by ortonius on Jul 27, 2007 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WEEEELLLLLLLLLLLL

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 27, 2007 12:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Triple well

by badradiorules on Jul 27, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Victor Diaz and Cruz

both hit grand slams last night. Look for one them being called up.

R4N63R D4N63R

by OkieFromMuskogee on Jul 27, 2007 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That would surprise me

I'd guess it is Botts.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DMN saying it's Cruz...

...getting called up to fill the spot.

Jeff Henn is an idiot.

by Red Shoe Fan on Jul 27, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

JD has specifically and repeatedly

said botts is going to get a chance this year.

it may be in 4 days rather than today/tomorrow, but it could easily be today.

by DSheppard on Jul 27, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rule 5 eligible this coming winter

That's the only down side I see here. We'll have to make room on the 40 man for him this winter.

It's not what you know, it's how you say what you don't know.

by txrangerfan06 on Jul 27, 2007 12:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

40 man

I think this year will be the last time the Rangers have the pitchers in the visa scandal reapply. If they still can't get visa's, then the Rangers will probably drop them from the 40. That would get them 2 extra spots.

Derek

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 27, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

40 man roster

if i remember right, those 2 pitchers aren't on the 40 man as it is because they are on the restricted list

Spider pig, Spider pig does whatever a spider pig does

by rentz on Jul 27, 2007 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or

whatever that list is called

Spider pig, Spider pig does whatever a spider pig does

by rentz on Jul 27, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lofton

Like I said in gameday threads, I'm going to miss him. He was stellar on this team

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 27, 2007 12:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and Cleveland fans

shoudl be ecstatic about this

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 27, 2007 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

That guy's a hell of a ballplayer. I bet the clubhouse misses him.

You're just a very misguided individual, Dustin. -- Sharky

by Dustin on Jul 27, 2007 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lofton

I think I got more excited about his homeruns than any other guy on the team. They were just such a surprise it felt like a bonus or something.

Spider pig, Spider pig does whatever a spider pig does

by rentz on Jul 27, 2007 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maximiliano

love the name!

by bushe on Jul 27, 2007 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

exactly!

Maximiliano Ramirez - worth the trade in name alone...although you're damn right I'm going to miss Lofton

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 27, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

catchers

JD seems to love him some catchers, not that I mind. If he is finding a niche spot in the market he can build a stockpile of then all the better.

Spider pig, Spider pig does whatever a spider pig does

by rentz on Jul 27, 2007 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

most of them

don't seem to pan out - at least as catchers.

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 27, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The DMN is reporting.....

..that Nelson Cruz has been called up to replace Lofton.

by bflood36 on Jul 27, 2007 1:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

figures

anybody but Botts.

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 27, 2007 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

botts will still be up in a few days

sosa is getting traded for nothing or released. didnt think they would but now im thinking they would.

by DSheppard on Jul 27, 2007 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bad Radio

Cannot talk baseball... It's normally bad, but with Donovan trying to input sports opinions in lieu of Bob, It's pathetic.

sportsdeals.blogspot.com

by BudLight on Jul 27, 2007 1:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BAD radio

I agree. BAD radio is a bunch of knuckleheads and someone said they are funny but don't know baseball.
I used to listen to them but their goofy act got weary and I now would rather listen to music than them.

yo soy Horsedooty!

by horsedooty on Jul 27, 2007 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

music

I'm with you, I just listen to CDs now, can't stand the jocks or the callers.

mmmmmm...64 slices of American cheese...

by t ball on Jul 28, 2007 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

John Riggins

He has a show up here that I listen to on the way home. Its pretty entertaining. his two cohorts complement him well.

The best parts are when he tells old drinking stories, like the time he was doing shots out of of a "gatorade shooter" on the sidelines during a playoff game.

I will not get my comeuppance!

by Brian Thomas on Jul 28, 2007 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Riggins

sounds like good entertainment value. I listen to the Ticket once in a while for laughs, but I've long since grown tired of "hot sports opinions".

mmmmmm...64 slices of American cheese...

by t ball on Jul 28, 2007 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

just about to say that

thinking that the braves would trade mccann for tex...they just dint know baseball, their funny but dont know baseball

by weslyenkid01 on Jul 27, 2007 1:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like a good deal to me.

My guess is that Lofton was going to go to Cleveland, and it was just a haggle over which prospect they'd let go and that we liked.

Our team needs hitters in the system, regardless of where they play. If there is one thing our organization is strong in, it is C/B pitching "prospects." We don't have many stars beyond Hurley, but lots of guys in the Volquez/Rupe range. Since Lofton wasn't going to fetch anyone better than Volquez, its best to get a hitter for the system.

Anywya, let us all just remember the last time a Rangers/Indians deal involved a player who could hit but didn't really have a position...

by JBImaknee on Jul 27, 2007 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

MaxRam = Pronk payback?

Here's hoping!

by jcAustin on Jul 27, 2007 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

will they start ramirez at frisco

or will he go to high A? i would like to see him in AA, especially since he is rule 5 coming up.

by sanangelofan on Jul 27, 2007 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

if he went

to high A, i wonder if he would platoon with teagarden?

by Lonerangers on Jul 27, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or maybe

teagarden goes to AA

Spider pig, Spider pig does whatever a spider pig does

by rentz on Jul 27, 2007 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's

what i would like to see. I think teagarden has proven he can mash A ball pitching. It's time to step up against the next level of competition.

by Lonerangers on Jul 27, 2007 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In fairness

even in a different high A league, Max has shown he can mash at that level as well. But since Max is already slated for BAK, I could see Teagarden making the jump...I'd hope that was the case, anyway...

by HypoLuxa on Jul 27, 2007 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not that it matters to us at all but where

are the Indians going to play Lofton? They have one of the best young CF's in the game and I thought Lofton's arm was too weak to play a COF spot and isn't is value greatly dimished in a COF. Maybe they're just going to start giving Sizemore some days off so he's fresh for the stretch run.

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 27, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He'll play LF

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2007 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max Ramirez =

BEAST. This guy is going to be big, I mean REAL big. Look at his OBP, over .410 almost every year!!

Duncan Hunter for President in '08

by dstar442005 on Jul 27, 2007 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Very solid trade by JD

I will not get my comeuppance!

by Brian Thomas on Jul 27, 2007 2:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

note from BP's Will Carroll

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6508
"The Indians were reported to be close to a deal this morning, but we finally know who it's for. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer is reporting that Kenny Lofton has been traded to the Indians for minor league catcher Max Ramirez and a PTBNL; there's cash involved as well. One source says this does not preclude any other deals, and that another move is going to be necessary to fit Lofton onto the roster, potentially involving Trot Nixon. One interesting tidbit is that this discussion between the Indians and Rangers didn't start with Lofton--the Tribe was quietly in on Mark Teixeira."

--Will Carroll

by Brandon Wilson on Jul 27, 2007 2:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs