Cubs interested in Lofton for Center Field

[Abe Frohman]

I think Murton would make a pretty solid #2 hitter. We know that Soriano is slated for the Leadoff spot in the order, but look at these two lineups and which would you think looks more solid should the Cubs get Kenny Lofton (and assuming J. Jones is dealt for pitching):

 

CF Lofton

LF Murton

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

RF Soriano

2B DeRosa

CA Barrett

SS Izturis

 

OR

 

RF Soriano

CF Lofton

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

2B DeRosa

LF Murton

CA Barrett

SS Izturis

[cheapseats]

Lofton is interesting. I think the best thing would be to bring him in and bat him leadoff, moving Soriano to the middle of the order.....but I don't think that would happen. I think he would bat 2, behind Alfonso. Really would be a great option as a #2 hitter. Problem is, you still have a middle of the order bat batting leadoff, and Lofton is hitting 2nd, replacing a middle of the order bat in Jones.

 

For Lofton to make sense, the Cubs have to upgrade at SS.

Or count on Murton to grow into a middle of the order bat in 2007.

 

I wish that would happen, Tim, but I think it's unlikely. His GB/FB ratio was third highest in MLB last year. There are some pretty good hitters with high GB/FB ratios, but not many that would be middle-of-the-order hitters. Murton has good plate discipline, but he'd probably need to change his swing if he were called upon to hit with more power.

[Guest]

Lofton is interesting. I think the best thing would be to bring him in and bat him leadoff, moving Soriano to the middle of the order.....but I don't think that would happen. I think he would bat 2, behind Alfonso. Really would be a great option as a #2 hitter. Problem is, you still have a middle of the order bat batting leadoff, and Lofton is hitting 2nd, replacing a middle of the order bat in Jones.

 

For Lofton to make sense, the Cubs have to upgrade at SS.

Or count on Murton to grow into a middle of the order bat in 2007.

 

I wish that would happen, Tim, but I think it's unlikely. His GB/FB ratio was third highest in MLB last year. There are some pretty good hitters with high GB/FB ratios, but not many that would be middle-of-the-order hitters. Murton has good plate discipline, but he'd probably need to change his swing if he were called upon to hit with more power.

I believe that he'll make that adjustment as he goes along.

[CuseCubFan69]

Lofton is interesting. I think the best thing would be to bring him in and bat him leadoff, moving Soriano to the middle of the order.....but I don't think that would happen. I think he would bat 2, behind Alfonso. Really would be a great option as a #2 hitter. Problem is, you still have a middle of the order bat batting leadoff, and Lofton is hitting 2nd, replacing a middle of the order bat in Jones.

 

For Lofton to make sense, the Cubs have to upgrade at SS.

Or count on Murton to grow into a middle of the order bat in 2007.

 

I wish that would happen, Tim, but I think it's unlikely. His GB/FB ratio was third highest in MLB last year. There are some pretty good hitters with high GB/FB ratios, but not many that would be middle-of-the-order hitters. Murton has good plate discipline, but he'd probably need to change his swing if he were called upon to hit with more power.

I believe that he'll make that adjustment as he goes along.

 

I think he will too. I like how he adjusted as the year went along and he'll be a fine hitter for this lineup. If Murton hits like I think he can and all other hitters have their normal career years while Izturis has a career year, this team might not be a bad hitting team. I know, hoping that Izturis has a career year is foolish but unless Hendry upgrades that postion we have to hope he does. I am curious on what Lou thinks of Theriot.

[cheapseats]

Lofton is interesting. I think the best thing would be to bring him in and bat him leadoff, moving Soriano to the middle of the order.....but I don't think that would happen. I think he would bat 2, behind Alfonso. Really would be a great option as a #2 hitter. Problem is, you still have a middle of the order bat batting leadoff, and Lofton is hitting 2nd, replacing a middle of the order bat in Jones.

 

For Lofton to make sense, the Cubs have to upgrade at SS.

Or count on Murton to grow into a middle of the order bat in 2007.

 

I wish that would happen, Tim, but I think it's unlikely. His GB/FB ratio was third highest in MLB last year. There are some pretty good hitters with high GB/FB ratios, but not many that would be middle-of-the-order hitters. Murton has good plate discipline, but he'd probably need to change his swing if he were called upon to hit with more power.

I believe that he'll make that adjustment as he goes along.

 

I hope so. And if he doesn't start hitting the ball in the air more, I hope the Cubs use him in a way to maximize his value.

[Lefty]

 

If Hendry became smart:

 

 

If I had wheels I'd be a bus.

[UBlink]

Could we just take Chris Young, instead? ;)

 

OF or SP, I'll take either.

[NCCubFan]

in other news, the Cubs have made the playoffs eight times - since 1932.

Actually, it's seven times: 1935, 1938, 1945, 1984, 1989, 1998, and 2003. [/nitpick]

 

..... and 1932 makes 8, no?

To me, "since" 1932 means beginning 1933.