Rosenthal: Reds interested in Lofton

[CubinNY]

I think it's more likely Lofton would be brought in as a platoon partner to "break" Bruce into the majors.

 

Lofton and Bruce both bat left-handed. How are they going to platoon?

Lofton vs. all veterans, Bruce vs. all 1st or 2nd year pitchers.

 

Close. Bruce would get all of the tough veteran pitchers who would make him look bad.

 

can't trust Bruce to face the young pitchers, as we don't have the book on them yet

 

Gotta give Kenny a rest dude. It's like you have an old dog and a young dog. You let your old dog run around with the young dogs, he's just gonna get tired out. Can't teach him new tricks or somethin. How does it go?

It's going to be so much fun to have Dusty in the NL Central and not managing the Cubs.

 

Reds44 will be banned by June 2.

[frostwyrm]

I thought Hamilton was expendable due to a glut at CF. Now they're looking at getting another one. I can only guess Dusty demanded another basestealer, preferrably a veteran.

[Derwood]

yet another GM may save Hendry from himself here

[haubrich91]

Lol Dusty. Does he like getting former Cubs?

[CubColtPacer]

yet another GM may save Hendry from himself here

 

Um...what? 1) Lofton is still a potentially useful player (albeit limited), so there would be no need to save a GM from signing him.

 

2) Hendry has never been reported to be interested in Lofton. That has been a creation of NSBB. So even if somebody needed saving, it would be the board not Hendry.

[reds44]

This is something I'm interested in if I am the Reds. It's not like Bruce is a 25 year old rookie looking to finally bust into the majors, he is a 20 year old kid who could still use seasoning in AAA (evident by his 47 BB and 135 Ks in three levels in 2007). The Reds lack a leadoff hitter and are probably looking at Phillips or Votto hitting leadoff if opening day was tomorrow. A Lofton/Hopper platoon in CF would solve that problem.

 

Kenny Lofton vs. RHP:

Career: .304/.375/.440 (1955 AB)

2007: .313/.386/.452

 

Norris Hopper vs. LHP:

Career: .386/.423/.492 (132 ABs)

2007: .351/.385/.441 (111 ABs)

 

Yes, I am aware Hopper's sample size is very small, but it is still something I think it could fit very nicely and solve the CF competition and fill the leadoff hole. At worst case if the Reds are out of it in July, you deal Lofton to a contender and Bruce is brought up (if he hasn't been already due to injury).

 

The only reason I would be heistant to do it is because I want to see Bruce get a chance to win the job in spring. I could care less about the Dusty connections.

 

1. Kenny Lofton/Norris Hopper CF

2. Joey Votto/Jeff Keppinger 1B

3. Ken Griffey Jr. RF

4. Brandon Phillips 2B

5. Adam Dunn LF

6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B

7. Alex Gonezalez SS

8. David Ross/Javier Valentin C

 

would be the most likely lineup, though I would flop Dunn and Griffey.

[Derwood]

yet another GM may save Hendry from himself here

 

Um...what? 1) Lofton is still a potentially useful player (albeit limited), so there would be no need to save a GM from signing him.

 

2) Hendry has never been reported to be interested in Lofton. That has been a creation of NSBB. So even if somebody needed saving, it would be the board not Hendry.

 

i don't need Hendry signing a 41 year old CF so he can trade our 22 year old CF prospect

[Mizzou]

Lofton is probably going to outproduce Pie this year.

 

I don't know why the Reds are going after him, but he's a good pickup by any team.

[Derwood]

Lofton is probably going to outproduce Pie this year.

 

I don't know why the Reds are going after him, but he's a good pickup by any team.

 

maybe this year, but not for the next 10

[frostwyrm]

This is something I'm interested in if I am the Reds. It's not like Bruce is a 25 year old rookie looking to finally bust into the majors, he is a 20 year old kid who could still use seasoning in AAA (evident by his 47 BB and 135 Ks in three levels in 2007). The Reds lack a leadoff hitter and are probably looking at Phillips or Votto hitting leadoff if opening day was tomorrow. A Lofton/Hopper platoon in CF would solve that problem.

 

Kenny Lofton vs. RHP:

Career: .304/.375/.440 (1955 AB)

2007: .313/.386/.452

 

Norris Hopper vs. LHP:

Career: .386/.423/.492 (132 ABs)

2007: .351/.385/.441 (111 ABs)

 

Yes, I am aware Hopper's sample size is very small, but it is still something I think it could fit very nicely and solve the CF competition and fill the leadoff hole. At worst case if the Reds are out of it in July, you deal Lofton to a contender and Bruce is brought up (if he hasn't been already due to injury).

 

The only reason I would be heistant to do it is because I want to see Bruce get a chance to win the job in spring. I could care less about the Dusty connections.

 

1. Kenny Lofton/Norris Hopper CF

2. Joey Votto/Jeff Keppinger 1B

3. Ken Griffey Jr. RF

4. Brandon Phillips 2B

5. Adam Dunn LF

6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B

7. Alex Gonezalez SS

8. David Ross/Javier Valentin C

 

would be the most likely lineup, though I would flop Dunn and Griffey.

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because Freel can steal bases, which Dusty must have, and Dusty tends to make out lineups based on position. CF will be the leadoff spot and designated basestealer's position.

[Outshined_One]

Just wait until Dusty gets confused and bats Alex Gonzalez 2nd or even leadoff. Those were always enjoyable games.

[reds44]

This is something I'm interested in if I am the Reds. It's not like Bruce is a 25 year old rookie looking to finally bust into the majors, he is a 20 year old kid who could still use seasoning in AAA (evident by his 47 BB and 135 Ks in three levels in 2007). The Reds lack a leadoff hitter and are probably looking at Phillips or Votto hitting leadoff if opening day was tomorrow. A Lofton/Hopper platoon in CF would solve that problem.

 

Kenny Lofton vs. RHP:

Career: .304/.375/.440 (1955 AB)

2007: .313/.386/.452

 

Norris Hopper vs. LHP:

Career: .386/.423/.492 (132 ABs)

2007: .351/.385/.441 (111 ABs)

 

Yes, I am aware Hopper's sample size is very small, but it is still something I think it could fit very nicely and solve the CF competition and fill the leadoff hole. At worst case if the Reds are out of it in July, you deal Lofton to a contender and Bruce is brought up (if he hasn't been already due to injury).

 

The only reason I would be heistant to do it is because I want to see Bruce get a chance to win the job in spring. I could care less about the Dusty connections.

 

1. Kenny Lofton/Norris Hopper CF

2. Joey Votto/Jeff Keppinger 1B

3. Ken Griffey Jr. RF

4. Brandon Phillips 2B

5. Adam Dunn LF

6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B

7. Alex Gonezalez SS

8. David Ross/Javier Valentin C

 

would be the most likely lineup, though I would flop Dunn and Griffey.

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because Freel can steal bases, which Dusty must have, and Dusty tends to make out lineups based on position. CF will be the leadoff spot and designated basestealer's position.

Norris Hopper is a hands down better and smarter baserunner then Freel is. Freel is baseball [expletive].

[reds44]

Just wait until Dusty gets confused and bats Alex Gonzalez 2nd or even leadoff. Those were always enjoyable games.

If anyone with a low OBP is going to bat leadoff, it'll be Phillips. Which is a complete waste of every tool he posses other then speed, IMO. It would be similar to batting Soriano leadoff, except Phillips can actually hit other places.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

First basemen don't hit second.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

yet another GM may save Hendry from himself here

The Reds will get Kenny Lofton. The Cubs will counter with Jay F Payton.

[Yestheydo]

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because Freel can steal bases, which Dusty must have, and Dusty tends to make out lineups based on position. CF will be the leadoff spot and designated basestealer's position.

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because of his contract. Bruce and Hopper will be in Louisville waiting for Griffey and Freel to hit the DL.

[sneakypower]

Lofton is probably going to outproduce Pie this year.

maybe, if you don't consider defense a part of the game. what about the 30-60 games lofton probably misses?

[reds44]

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because Freel can steal bases, which Dusty must have, and Dusty tends to make out lineups based on position. CF will be the leadoff spot and designated basestealer's position.

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because of his contract. Bruce and Hopper will be in Louisville waiting for Griffey and Freel to hit the DL.

So the Reds are going to only carry 4 outfielders?

 

That's interesting.

[SouthSideRyan]

First basemen don't hit second.

 

First basemen gotta be my RBI guys, like Steve Garvey was for me back when I played.

 

Leadoff has gotta be a guy with some speed, someone that can make things happen on the basepaths for the RBI guys. That's why I like Hopper up there Then you got the 2 spot, you need someone who can handle the bat, a guy who can hit it to the right side for you. Castro should fit perfectly in that spot. Really makes stuff happen on the field. 3 spot is your best hitter, so obviously we'll put Griffey there. 4's gotta be your RBI man, the guy everyone's scared of on the team. Dunn's got that power and he's a big dude, we're talking football player, so he goes there. Then you gotta have some protection for the RBI man. Hatteberg's a professional hitter, I like him there. 6 and 7 I look at as my 1-2 hitters of the bottom of the lineup. Phillips has got some good speed, so I like him at 6, then Freel at the 7 spot. Having those 2 burners back to back is a luxury we have here. 8 is where your catcher bats. So we'll put ours there.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Dusty's line-up will look like this...

 

Lofton CF

Freel 3b

Griffey RF

Hatteberg 1b

Dunn LF

Phillips 2b

Gonzalez SS

Ross C

[SouthSideRyan]

My favorite Dusty move may have been how when a sub played, he was slotted into the same spot as the guy he replaced. When Sosa was out in '03, Troy O' Leary came out there in that 3 spot every game. Great stuff.

[Yestheydo]

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because Freel can steal bases, which Dusty must have, and Dusty tends to make out lineups based on position. CF will be the leadoff spot and designated basestealer's position.

 

Freel will have the edge over Hopper because of his contract. Bruce and Hopper will be in Louisville waiting for Griffey and Freel to hit the DL.

So the Reds are going to only carry 4 outfielders?

 

That's interesting.

 

If Craig Wilson makes the team he can play some RF. I guess we'll find out.

[frostwyrm]

1. Kenny Lofton/Norris Hopper CF

2. Joey Votto/Jeff Keppinger 1B

3. Ken Griffey Jr. RF

4. Brandon Phillips 2B

5. Adam Dunn LF

6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B

7. Alex Gonezalez SS

8. David Ross/Javier Valentin C

 

would be the most likely lineup, though I would flop Dunn and Griffey.

 

Dusty on the #2 spot in the lineup:

"It's a position for a more established, accomplished veteran player."

You can forget about Votto or Keppinger batting 2nd.

 

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060221&content_id=1317995&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[Rob]

 

Dusty on the #2 spot in the lineup:

"It's a position for a more established, accomplished veteran player."

You can forget about Votto or Keppinger batting 2nd.

 

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060221&content_id=1317995&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

 

Let's be completely honest here. Dusty Baker cannot be predicted, even by Dusty Baker. He's gonna do whatever the hell looks right to him, and then attempt to rationalize it with some crazy metaphor later.

[Derwood]

dusty's order is always:

 

1. CF

2. 2B

3. 1B

4. RF

5. 3B

6. LF

7. SS

8. C