March 20, 2008 Kenny Lofton has turned down an offer from the Rays that would have paid him more than $1 million, according to FoxSports. He turned it down because he wanted an offer more in line with his peers, and remarked, "From what I've done in the past, it should warrant me getting a real offer, a real understanding about what I've done on the field. I feel like I went out last year and did what I was supposed to do to show people that even though I'm at a certain age, I can still get the job done. Do people respect what I do on the field? It seems like maybe not."
February 11, 2008 Fox Sports reports that Kenny Lofton played for Dusty Baker with the Giants in 2002 and the Cubs in '03, both times joining Baker's teams in July and then helping them advance deep into the postseason. Ken Rosenthal suggests that another reunion could be in the works.
The Reds are considering Lofton, but the extent of their interest might hinge on which players — if any — they trade for a starting pitcher.
Lofton, a free agent who bats left-handed, could fit in a platoon role with the Reds. The team's returning center fielders, Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper, are both right-handed hitters. Lofton was a draft day steal last year, going in the late rounds of Roto formats, and in some mixed-leagues, going undrafted. Lofton's splits were poor, however, stealing 21 bases in 84 games with Texas and then swiping but two in his final 52 games with Cleveland. Playing time is the key for Lofton and he will have a difficult time finding the same role this year, that he had with the Rangers early last season.
August 15, 2007 The Indians moved Kenny Lofton into the leadoff spot on Tuesday night, dropping Grady Sizemore to third in the order. "I've been thinking about it for a while. And we've had discussions over the short term. I talked to Grady, and he's fine with it. Kenny also had a good reaction," manager Eric Wedge told the Akron Beacon-Journal. Lofton went 0-for-3 on Tuesday, while Sizemore went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBI.
July 27, 2007 The Indians acquired Kenny Lofton from the Rangers Friday in exchange for minor league catcher Max Ramirez. The 40-year-old Lofton is batting .303 with seven homers, 23 RBI, 62 runs and 21 steals this season. This will be Lofton's third stint with the Tribe. With Grady Sizemore entrenched in center, Lofton will play either left or right field in Cleveland.
July 22, 2007 Kenny Lofton was not in the starting lineup Saturday, one day after fouling a ball off his right big toe, the AP reports. X-rays were negative, but Lofton was limping and in pain before Saturday night's game. The Rangers had extra incentive to rest Lofton Saturday, as they were facing a left-handed starter.
