There have been numerous reports that Mark Loretta from SD is available, and could be part of a David Wells trade with Boston. This is a guy who's a career .301/.365/.408 hitter--a true #2 hitter who is regarded as one of the best hit and run guys in the bigs [at least ESPN labelled him as the best "hit and run" guy in last yr's offeason rankings--it shows at least that he can hit behind the runners, and his numbers from the #2 hole are even better than his career #'s]. And he's one year away from a season where he hit .335/.391/.495, before hitting only .280 in 2005 as he missed two months from a thumb injury.

 

With all the sox talk about getting Bill Mueller as a UTL who can get 400ab's playing different positions [even though he's played only 50 some games at a position other than 3b], it would make sense to get a guy who'd be a true "super utility guy". Loretta fits that bill. He's played all the If positions: 593 games at 2b; 329 at 2b; 171 at SS; and 160 at 1B. If his defense at 3b was solid enough to have him play everyday there in case Crede's back hurt him, the sox should make a play for him

 

He's signed through next yr at an affordable contract [like $3 mill, IIRC], and wouldn't affect the sox ability to strike a deal with Crede.

 

Thoughts?

Its dependant on two questions in my mind:

Would Loretta be willing to not start?

How much would it take to get him?

 

If he's willing to be a "super-sub", and isn't too difficult to get, then yea, I'd be fine with him being on the Sox. His defense is supposedly pretty good over at 2b, and he's been a pretty good hitter. If his contract is ~$3 million like you said, he'd be a cheaper option than Mueller, depending on what we would have to give up for him.

Its dependant on two questions in my mind:

Would Loretta be willing to not start?

How much would it take to get him?

 

1] Loretta doesn't have a choice. He'll be a FA after 2006. But seeing how he was a UTL guy for many yrs, he may be better suited now for that role as he's getting up in age [35 in aug, 2006]. But you're right, his personality and game has to be able to handle a reduced role for him to fit. I think Mueller would be even less likely to handle that sub role, and he has a choice

 

2] The NY Post reported a source saying Daivd Wells for Loretta. With Boston backed up against a wall with Wells demanding a trade to one or two teams, that price doesn't seem like a lot.

Guillen wants somebody who can hit lefthanded in that role, so the focus is on Bill Mueller for now.

Guillen wants somebody who can hit lefthanded in that role, so the focus is on Bill Mueller for now.

 

Mueller may be headed to SF.

Mueller may be headed to SF.

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Very possible. Giants and White Sox look to be interested for sure, maybe the Dodgers too.

Guillen wants somebody who can hit lefthanded in that role, so the focus is on Bill Mueller for now.

With the #2 guy hitting between two lefties in pods and Thome, I'm not sure why. Though a switch hitter or another lefty would make it 4 in the lineup

The Sox were interested in Mueller at one time, but not anymore. Crede is the starting 3Bman. Mueller isn't going to take a fill in role. Money is one problem with getting Mueller. Crede is ready to break out and is a better fit for the Chisox

The Sox were interested in Mueller at one time, but not anymore.

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Says who? This is not what I'm hearing.

This is the latest news I've seen on Mueller..

 

 

The Dodgers are looking at free agents Bill Mueller and Joe Randa to play first base.  With Andy LaRoche and Joel Guzman on the horizon, it'd be a mistake for the Dodgers to sign a third baseman to a multiyear deal. Mueller, though, seems nearly certain to get two years. The Giants, White Sox and Twins are also interested. Dec. 4 - 3:54 am et

Source: Los Angeles Times

 

per Rotoworld.

The Sox were interested in Mueller at one time, but not anymore. Crede is the starting 3Bman. Mueller isn't going to take a fill in role. Money is one problem with getting Mueller. Crede is ready to break out and is a better fit for the Chisox

 

Unless you have some doctors reports no one else does, the sox seem interested in getting some insurance in case Crede's back keeps him out for a while

I'd rather just sign Mueller than trade players or prospects for Loretta.

loretta is a chitown boy too...played ball at northwestern

I would consider the Sox as a huge non-player in the Loretta market. San Diego is looking for starting pitching for Loretta, and unless they'd take Duque over Wells - which won't happen - there is no chance of it working.

 

Loretta's a Padres or SAWWWWWWWWWK next year, if I must stick my neck out as far as I want to.

if i have loretta on my team, he f***ing starts.

 

the guy will hit .310-.320, and has more speed than you realize.

I would consider the Sox as a huge non-player in the Loretta market.  San Diego is looking for starting pitching for Loretta, and unless they'd take Duque over Wells - which won't happen - there is no chance of it working. 

 

Loretta's a Padres or SAWWWWWWWWWK next year, if I must stick my neck out as far as I want to.

 

According to their MLB site, SD is looking for bullpen help and a catcher at the winter meetings. Seeing how that is an organizational strength.....

According to their MLB site, SD is looking for bullpen help and a catcher at the winter meetings. Seeing how that is an organizational strength.....

 

Bullpen help? Perhaps you could have an argument.

Catcher? Not unless you want to trade AJP.

 

San Diego offered Loretta for Wells and Mirabelli...so I am not even sure of an offer the Sox could make to make that even manageable without one side getting completely hosed.

 

I like Loretta...not as much as I did about a year or two ago, but age and injuries have that effect...but I don't think the Padres and Sox matchup real well for a trade.

Bullpen help?  Perhaps you could have an argument.

Catcher?  Not unless you want to trade AJP.

 

San Diego offered Loretta for Wells and Mirabelli...so I am not even sure of an offer the Sox could make to make that even manageable without one side getting completely hosed.

 

I like Loretta...not as much as I did about a year or two ago, but age and injuries have that effect...but I don't think the Padres and Sox matchup real well for a trade.

I was talking about the bullpen being a sox strength.

 

The other trade for Wells reported in papers was Dave Roberts and a bullpen arm--Okino [sp?]. So Loretta's could be worth a UTL Ofer and a decent bullpen arm. I'm trying to gauge Loretta's worth by this. But seeing how Wells is saying he'll only play for SD or he'll retire, the Padres don't need to offer much to get him