D'Backs Interested In Loretta

I've always liked Loretta. He is a solid player, not the best range, but still gets the job done and plays his position smart. After his year with the Sox, I had hoped for them to resign him and put Pedroia @ short.....would have been cheaper than Lugo.......hope Dbacks can make something happen. He would be a solid vet for a team of young players.

Astros most likely won't offer Loretta arbitration because he's likely to accept it and they would be way overpaying for a bench player. They would still have Blum and Newhan around too.

I think Astros offer him arbitration too. Most likely he won't accept it. If he does he is protection for one their worst signings Kaz Matsui who can't stay healthy.

"Astros most likely won't offer Loretta arbitration because he's likely to accept it and they would be way overpaying for a bench player."

I hardly think what he was paid this year was out of line with the market and what he offers.

"As a D-Backs fan I think I would pursue Ramon Vazquez (.365 .430 .290 )first as Loretta (.350 .383 .280) is aging and may just want a short contract, and only be a quick fix. Whereas Vazquez is only 32 I believe, so he could potentially play for the D-Backs for a longer period. However, he'll probably require more money than Loretta, who is nearing the end of his career."

Vazquez doesn't have near the track record of consistency that Loretta does. He had his best year in 2008, but he has never produced close to that before. The only advantage Vazquez has is what side of the plate he swings from and Loretta's poor platoon split. Actually, having both of those guys on the bench wouldn't be a bad idea.

"Loretta's a good bench guy and can play a few positions in a pinch, but I'd hate to have to rely on him for an extended amount of time.

He clearly is no longer a starter, as the past few years when he did play everyday it seems his number declined as the summer grinded on...."

Obviously Loretta is no longer a top tier second baseman, but a .350 OBP is hard to ignore, as is the ability to play all over the field.

I don't disagree with most of what's on here, but what's the deal with the Loretta hate? "below average defense"? He made 4 errors at 4 different positions over 532 chances. What's "average"? 2 errors? Also, in that zone thing that was invented for infielders, he ranks favorably with other second basemen, just not sure about where that commment came from.

As far as Newhan being younger and cheaper - he's definitely cheaper, but not that much younger - 35. Also, he's a Boras guy, which most teams aren't big fans of.