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Odds and Ends: Loretta, German, Belliard, Baldelli

By stoeten [March 9, 2008 at 10:35pm CST]

An update to the Ken Rosenthal article discussed earlier suggests that either Esteban German or Ron Belliard would be better, cheaper alternatives for the Dodgers than Joe Crede or Brandon Inge. It would take less to get Belliard or German, they're paid less, and either of them could back up Jeff Kent, 40, at second base in addition to playing third. Both players are "attracting the Dodgers' interest" according to Rosenthal.
The Baltimore Sun is now reporting that the Orioles have an interest in Mark Loretta. Hopefully this is a sign that the Brian Roberts-to-Chicago saga will soon mercifully come to a conclusion. Loretta apparently isn't slated for regular duty in a Houston infield that now features Miguel Tejada, Kaz Matsui and Ty Wigginton, which is why he might be in play. The Astros sent a scout to watch the O's on Sunday.
Rocco Baldelli spoke with Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal about his myriad health problems, and dispelled some of the more creative speculation about him. He didn't, however, address the big decision on his future that the Rays will be forced to make in the coming weeks. As discussed here a couple of days ago, and again in Sunday's St. Petersburg Times, the decision on whether the team will pick up Baldelli's 2009 option has to be made by April 1st. The Times suggests the Rays will pass, meaning a $4MM buyout.

Posted by Andrew Stoeten of Drunk Jays Fans.

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Comments

That would mean that he O's aren't going to want Patterson added to the deal. The way he is playing this spring I am surprised they wouldn't want him over Cedeno. Maybe the name Patterson scares them. It scares me too, but wow what a game he had today.

Posted by: uww1 | March 09, 2008 at 10:58 PM

I was wrong. For some reason I was thinking that Loretta played 2nd base. Maybe the O's are going after Patterson instead of Cedeno. And that would mean that maybe this deal is getting closer to being done.

Posted by: uww1 | March 09, 2008 at 11:33 PM

Loretta does play primarily second base. Or at least that was what he played during his best seasons with San Diego. He's capable of playing any infield position but I would argue he belongs at second.

Posted by: scribbletone | March 09, 2008 at 11:37 PM

Thanks scribbletone

I was thinking that too, then I went and checked and it lists him at SS. So I was a little confused. I appreciate the info

Posted by: uww1 | March 09, 2008 at 11:57 PM

The royals would want a minor leaguer in return, unless another player w/o any options was included like Huber, Gathright, Bale, or Gobble. Gathright would free up Pierre for a trade, Huber would be a solid right handed bat off the bench in the NL that can play 1st or left, and Bale is proven lefty reliever and Gobble is decent.

Posted by: Billy Heywood | March 09, 2008 at 11:59 PM

I think Justin Huber would make a good fit in New York with the Mets. He can play 1B and OF and can mash the ball. Just a thought.

Posted by: bravesrule14 | March 10, 2008 at 12:58 AM

Loretta has to be in discussions for the Dodgers of German & Belliard are. In fact, Lorertta should be at the forefront of those internal discussions.

Posted by: WestCoastBias | March 10, 2008 at 01:53 AM

I'd be more than happy to trade Loretta if it weren't for the constant risk that is Kaz Matsui. If he gets hurt or just really sucks, I'd like to have a better option than Geoff Blum at second.

Posted by: Muircheartaigh | March 10, 2008 at 03:09 AM

Loretta played more short than second last year, so the Orioles' interest may be as a stopgap there rather than anything directly related to the Roberts situation, since none of the shortstops they have in camp really look ready for primetime yet.

Posted by: KenFrancis | March 10, 2008 at 09:25 AM

Loretta played short out of shear need last year, everett got hurt and the stros have no resources in the minors for middle infielders. Adding Loretta doesnt make much sense considering he's 35/36, the team isnt going any where this year so why not plug a guy in there that makes the minimum rather than loretta who makes 2.5 mill(ish). I guess thats just me being frugal with Angelos' money.

Posted by: Andrew I | March 11, 2008 at 01:31 AM

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Odds and Ends: Loretta, German, Belliard, Baldelli

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