Dodger Thoughts: Loretta Swift
Baseball Toaster —
... , the 37-year-old infielder whom Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports will supplant Nomar Garciaparra as a right-handed utility infielder. (The Dodgers haven't confirmed, but Gurnick at least has an on-the-record source: Loretta's agent, Bob Garber.) Loretta EQAed an above-average .267 for Houston last season, and has had an on-base percentage of at least .345 every season since 1997. Against left-handed pitchers last season, Loretta's on-base percentage was .419 - meaning that he could form a platoon with Blake DeWitt. Gurnick, citing Garber, said that Loretta would earn $1.4 ...
Dodgers Sign Mark Loretta, Casey Blake Deal Said Near
6-4-2 — an Angels/Dodgers double play blog —
The Dodgers signed utility man Mark Loretta to a one-year deal, terms unknown. He will replace Nomar Garciaparra as the team's utility infielder. The 36-year-old Loretta hit .280/.350/.383 this year with the Astros.
Loretta is insurance against Chin-Lung Hu not being ready, which it's likely his bat isn't and may never be; but third base awaits a real solution, and the Dodgers apparently think it's still Casey Blake. Tony Jackson reports the Dodgers are closing in on a 3-year/$17M deal, though a subsequent dispatch indicated the deal won't be completed ...
Dodgers Sign Old Infielder
Mike Scioscia's tragic illness —
But not the one you think!
While closing in on re-signing third baseman Casey Blake, the Dodgers further solidified their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with veteran utilityman Mark Loretta on a one-year contract, according to agent Bob Garber.
AKA, "Smell you later, Nomar".
Actually, I know I've been pretty negative about everything lately, but I love this signing, especially for just $1.4 million over one year. In fact, when the rumor first popped up a week ago, I was completely in favor of it - why wouldn't I want a guy who could play all four infield positions and absolutely destroys ...
The Winter (Meetings) of our Discontent: Day 2
AZ Snakepit —
... No Loretta for Arizona: "The Dodgers further solidified their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with veteran utilityman Mark Loretta on a one-year contract, according to agent Bob Garber. Loretta must pass a physical exam for the deal to be official... Loretta is a 13-year veteran and two-time All-Star. He earned $2.75 million last year and will receive about $1.4 million in 2009. The Dodgers won the pursuit for Loretta over National League West rival Arizona Diamondbacks." ...
Winter Meetings Day 2
Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke? —
11:30- Kicking off with some links, Mark Loretta signed with the Dodgers last night, so cross him off the "future Chris Gomez" list. Ken Rosenthal (keep that link handy today) is reporting that the Jays are also interested in Rafael Furcal, which might create enough of a shortstop market to still get a Jack Wilson deal done. Then again, Aaron Gleeman checked in with this last night:
Pittsburgh remains interested in dealing Jack Wilson, but have found few takers. Detroit moved on after initially being linked to Wilson and even shortstop-needy teams like Minnesota haven't shown much interest. None of that should be surprising given that Wilson hit ...
Welcome to the Blue Mark!
Blue Heaven —
Via Dodger Thoughts, it appears the Dodger have picked up a quality utility infielder in Mark Loretta. On top of that, he appears to be a born Blue Dodger fan. "Mark's very excited," Garber (Loretta's agent) said. "He grew up in Pasadena, so he's come full circle. He went to his first Dodger game as a 6-year-old." In a 14 year career he is a lifetime .297 hitter with a .361 On-Base % and a OPS+ of 99. He should be a very capable replacement for Nomar Garciaparra. Loretta, 37, hit .280 in 261 at-bats for the Astros last season with four homers and 38 RBIs, batting .330 ...
My Fiancé Is So Happy
Robots Took My Medicine —
Dodgers Agree to Terms With Mark Loretta She has loved Mark Loretta since his days in Boston. At an Anaheim game once, he tossed us a ball he had been using in the pre-game warm-ups. Maybe now he'll sign it for us. Good signing for the Dodgers, by the way. Loretta is relatively cheap, is solid at every infield position, and apparently murders lefties. Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness likes it, too, so you know this is a good thing.
Dodgers Get Blake for Three More Years; Rumors of CC Interests in Dodgers
Dem Bums - A Dodgers Blog —
Halfway through the Winter Meetings in Vegas , the Dodgers have already made a few moves. Casey Blake accepted a three-year, $17.5 million dollar deal with an option for 2012. With Loney and Blake secured on the corners, and Blake DeWitt expected to be the starting second baseman, the Dodgers are still in need of a shortstop. Free agent Furcal has narrowed down his options to Oakland, Toronto, KC, and the Dodgers. The Dodgers are also reportedly close to a one-year deal with Mark Loretta , who would likely be a utility infielder while sharing the second base position with DeWitt. Even after the Yankees and Brewers have offered deals to CC Sabathia, he is still keeping the ...
