LOFTON RETURNS TO TRIBE
The Cleveland Indians acquired outfielder Kenny Lofton from the Texas Rangers for minor-league catcher Max Ramirez.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Heading into his third stint with the Tribe, Lofton unclouds the contending club's outfield situation. Known as a center-fielder, he'll surely be used in left with Grady Sizemore locked in up the middle, getting most of the starts there. Jason Michaels may still face left-handed pitchers in place of the left-handed-hitting 40-year-old. Lofton still offers a very steady bat with the speed to steal and a little pop, so he could take over leadoff duties, with Sizemore dropped to more of a run-producing role, to which he's probably more suited.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
Though the Rangers already have a couple of decent catching prospects, Ramirez probably jumps to the top of the list, at least in terms of his bat. The 22-year-old is not known for his defense, but has gap power that has developed a little more into longball power this season at High-A Kinston, and he adds a good eye at the plate. It's possible that he could crack the big-league club in a couple of years as a third baseman, outfielder or DH.
Fantasy impact
