Padres need Kenny Lofton

[micsmith]

Kenny Lofton is still an unsigned free agent.
He could sign with the Padres for one year (cheap) and play left field either as the starter or as part of a platoon with Scott Hairston.

If Lofton were signed, I figure several things are accomplished:

1. We have a natural leadoff hitter. Check out his Batting Average and OBP over the past three years (or just last year) compared to our other players.

2. We have some speed. I know he can't steal 50 bags a year any more, but at least he can steal about as many bases as Mike Cameron did. So, we're regaining the speed we lost with Cameron, but we're getting it in the leadoff spot.

3. He can provide some veteran presence in the clubhouse, and he has postseason experience galore.

4. He's a converted center fielder. I don't know how strong his arm is anymore, but he can still play the outfield competently. Probably at least as good as Hairston.

If Lofton were signed, the Hairston could be our 4th outfielder, and a fine bench player; and Chase Headley can spend just a bit more time (maybe the first half of the year) developing at AAA before coming up and platooning with Lofton.


What are the arguments against this? Lofton wants a job in 08, and right now he doesn't have one. It seems like a good fit to me.

[Imgran]

Originally Posted by micsmith

Kenny Lofton is still an unsigned free agent.
He could sign with the Padres for one year (cheap) and play left field either as the starter or as part of a platoon with Scott Hairston.

If Lofton were signed, I figure several things are accomplished:

1. We have a natural leadoff hitter. Check out his Batting Average and OBP over the past three years (or just last year) compared to our other players.

2. We have some speed. I know he can't steal 50 bags a year any more, but at least he can steal about as many bases as Mike Cameron did. So, we're regaining the speed we lost with Cameron, but we're getting it in the leadoff spot.

3. He can provide some veteran presence in the clubhouse, and he has postseason experience galore.

4. He's a converted center fielder. I don't know how strong his arm is anymore, but he can still play the outfield competently. Probably at least as good as Hairston.

If Lofton were signed, the Hairston could be our 4th outfielder, and a fine bench player; and Chase Headley can spend just a bit more time (maybe the first half of the year) developing at AAA before coming up and platooning with Lofton.


What are the arguments against this? Lofton wants a job in 08, and right now he doesn't have one. It seems like a good fit to me.

Wouldn't be the worst idea.