Lofton rejects Rays’ offer?

Posted Mar 19, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Mar 19, 2008 at 06:25 PM

According to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark, the Rays “are believed to have made an offer to free agent Kenny Lofton in the last 48 hours, but apparently got shot down.” Citing the club’s policy of not commenting on such matters, Andrew Friedman wouldn’t confirm or deny the report.

Friedman said over the weekend that he was more inclined to seek outfield help via trade than signing a free agent, so perhaps the Rays decided to send a low-cost trial balloon up for Lofton before moving on to other avenues. As the roster stands right now, either Eric Hinske, Jon Weber or John Rodriguez likely would make the team, but there figure to be plenty of extra-outfielder types released or on the trading block as Opening Day draws nearer.

I’d be very surprised if the Rays didn’t make a move to address the situation before March 31, particularly because they have become even more inclined to use Cliff Floyd as a DH as often as possible.

Stark mentions Cleveland’s David Dellucci, and it appears the Reds would like to move Ryan Freel, perhaps for catching help. Freel would be an ideal fit in a lot of ways because he can back up third and second along with playing all three outfield positions, but he has a checkered injury history and $7 million left on his contract. Perhaps the Rays could get the Reds to eat some of that salary in return for Josh Paul or Mike DiFelice…