BOSTON — James Loney doesn't feel snubbed.
The Red Sox' trade of Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett to the Dodgers has been perceived by many as a salary dump — a slap in the face to Loney, who had 71 home runs and 451 RBIs in seven years with the Dodgers. But he isn't taking it personally.
"I motivate myself pretty good. I think that'll be enough," Loney said Sunday afternoon. "I'm excited. This has always been one of my favorite parks. … Just everything about the atmosphere here, the fans here, you got a lot of support, and it's a good atmosphere."
When he came into the league, the 28-year-old was praised for his defensive prowess and ability to hit for average. While Loney's average has dipped this year to .254, Red Sox general
manager Ben Cherington says Loney's swing will fit Fenway Park.
Loney hasn't had much of a chance to prove him right. In three career
games at Fenway coming into Sunday, Loney was 1-for-12 (.091) with two
RBIs.
But Loney said he thinks he'll adapt to Fenway.
"I think it'll be great for me, especially playing in this park," Loney said.
Loney won't need too many introductions to his new teammates. He's come across Dustin Pedroia, Scott Podsednik, Vicente Padilla, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Cody Ross in the majors or in the Arizona Fall League.
For him, it's just a matter of getting used to his new surroundings.
"I'm kind of in the middle of my career, just bringing that experience, just going out there and playing hard," Loney said. "That's all I've known. But I'm also looking forward to this change. I think it'll be great for me and my career."
He'll likely split time with Mauro Gomez at first base for the rest of the season.
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