Los Angeles Dodgers: James Loney signs as two way player
By David Hill
Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman James Loney is back in organized baseball, although in a very different role.
When last we saw former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman James Loney, he had departed from the Korean Baseball Organization in 2017. In a 97 plate appearance sample size with the LG Twins, he had produced a somewhat underwhelming .278/.366/.456 batting line, hitting three homers and five doubles. It was a very James Loney batting line, but not quite what the LG Twins had in mind.
After taking much of the past two years off, Loney is making a comeback. He has signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League, serving as a first baseman/left handed pitcher/coach for his new team.
The Atlantic League's Sugar Land Skeeters have signed 1B/LHP James Loney (not a typo). Plan is to have him pitch and hit as a two-way player for the Skeeters. Loney was considered by many scouts to be a better P prospect than hitter in HS (back in '02).
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) February 5, 2019
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It has been some time since Loney was on the mound in a competitive setting. Despite his pedigree, and former status as a highly regarded pitcher, he never took the mound in a blowout at the major league level. In fact, since being drafted with the first overall pick, Loney has only pitched one professional inning, allowing a hit and a walk during his inning of work in 2016 with the El Paso Chihuahuas.
At 35 years old in May, Loney would seemingly be a longshot to return to the majors. However, if his conversion to being a two way player proves successful in the Atlantic League, he may warrant a look by a major league team. Even then, he would likely be ticketed to the minors, looking to prove that any success was not an aberration.
Teams know what they are getting with Loney when it comes to first base. He is considered an excellent defensive player, someone who is valued for his steady glove and veteran presence. He makes contact, hits doubles, and puts the ball in play. If he can recapture the form that made him a prized pitching prospect as well, then Loney becomes a far more intriguing option for a team over the course of the season.
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James Loney has a long way to go before he can be considered a viable two way option. The journey for the former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman will begin in the Atlantic League, where the Sugar Land Skeeters will give him that chance.