Lofton for Ramirez

It’s now being reported on the official websites for both the Rangers and the Indians: Kenny Lofton has been traded to Cleveland for catcher Max Ramirez, who incidentally was traded in a deadline deal last July, from Atlanta to the Indians for closer Bob Wickman. He played for the World Team in the Futures Game earlier this month.

Ramirez does not take up a spot on the 40-man roster, but will be Rule 5-eligible this winter.

Jamey

The Rangers picked up a highly regarded catching prospect in 22-year-old Max Ramirez when they traded 40-year-old outfielder Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians on Friday.

Ramirez was batting .303 with 12 homers and 62 RBIs at high-Class A Kinston of the Carolina League, and he played in the All-Star Futures Game earlier this month. Ramirez has been putting up strong offensive numbers this year with 20 doubles, a .505 slugging percentage and a .418 on-base percentage. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound native of Venezuela was dealt to the Indians one year ago in the trade that sent closer Bob Wickman to the Braves. (From the Texas Rangers MLB website)