Indians’ Hart Won’t Pull Strings On Lofton Deal

Cleveland general manager John Hart, whose contract offers this winter have been turned down by Albert Belle, John Smoltz, Alex Fernandez, Roger Clemens, Ryne Sandberg and Tim Naehring, was told this week not to bother making one to All-Star center fielder Kenny Lofton.

Agent Steve Zucker told Hart that Lofton plans to play out his contract this year, then test the free-agent waters next winter, when the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to bid on the former University of Arizona basketball star.

“What our fans have to understand is that, in some cases like this, there isn’t a lot a club can do,” Hart said.

“It’s tougher to hang on to big-time star players, unless they have a degree of loyalty.”