lofton...

[Bennyy22]

Outfielder Kenny Lofton signed a one-year deal with the Pirates on Friday, a source told the Associated Press. Lofton, 35, is scheduled to have a physical with the team in Florida before the deal is announced. Assuming the contract is finalized, Lofton would start in center field and bat leadoff for Pittsburgh. Brian Giles would then move to left field, and Reggie Sanders would switch from left to right field. Jason Kendall slips from first to second in the order, with Jack Wilson moving from second to eighth. "We know he's not the player he was four or five years ago, but we still feel he could help us as a center fielder and leadoff hitter,'' general manager Dave Littlefield said. "We think he would add more depth to our offense and help us defensively."