In a shocking development, the Indians aren't likely to re-sign Kenny Lofton:
But when naming the Indians' most likely candidates to fill left field next season, neither Shapiro nor manager Eric Wedge brought up Lofton's name.
Kenny Lofton's had a weird second half of his career: he's obviously good enough to play in the majors, even at his age, but not good enough for a team to commit to him for any length of time. But Kenny's signed six straight one-year contracts, and at the end of each of them has still been good enough to sign another one.
Lofton's not a left fielder, in the offensive sense. The Indians have 3-4 guys under their control who could play left field, and who could hit like a left fielder. But each of those guys has at least one drawback, whether it be injury, a platoon split, or not much of a track record. So not attempting to bring back Kenny Lofton doesn't mean the Indians should be happy with what they have in left field.