Stros to sign Loretta...

[leemajors]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2719795

Mark Loretta will sign with the Houston Astros on Thursday, his agent said.

The agreed-to deal is for one year at $2.5 million, but could be worth as much as $3.5 million with incentives, said Loretta's agent, Bob Garber.

The free-agent second baseman had multiple offers, including ones from the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds. While the Rangers offered more money, Garber said Houston was a better opportunity.

Craig Biggio has long been entrenched as the starting second baseman for the Astros. But Garber said Loretta, who has also played first, third and shortstop during his career, will play "all over the infield" for Houston.

"We wanted to wait until the second-base market got better. The market is great for everyone but second basemen," Garber said.

Loretta, a 12-year veteran, played for the Boston Red Sox last season, hitting .285 in 155 games. He has previously played for the Brewers, Astros and Padres and has a career .299 average and .987 career fielding percentage.

[Spurminator]

SportsJustice
A sports blog with Richard Justice

Loretta makes the Astros better in ways that can't be measured.
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2007/01/loretta_makes_t.html

Mark Loretta is one of those under-the-radar signings that makes sense on every level. He was the American League's starting second baseman in last summer's All-Star Game and can play there if Craig Biggio needs a day off or isn't hitting. He has also played third, short and first. He's 35 years old, but batted .285 in 155 games for the Red Sox.

He's a leader, not so much in what he says (he doesn't say much), but in how he has carried himself throughout his 11-year career. Loretta won the 2006 Hutch Award, given annually to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire of baseball great Fred Hutchinson. He won the award by making a successful recovery from a malignant melanoma.

Boston Globe columnist Jackie MacMullan said Loretta handled himself with grace, dignity, and professionalism. He has been a model teammate, and a nearly flawless fielder.

GM Tim Purpura had been seeking veteran help for the extra outfield and infield positions, but was never able to get a deal done until Loretta, a two-time All-Star, agreed to a deal that will pay him $2.5 million and as much as another $1 million in incentives. His signing pushes the total payroll to around $92 million.

Loretta had offers from the Rangers and Reds. The Rangers apparently offered more money, but he saw Houston as a better opportunity. "We wanted to wait until the second-base market got better. The market is great for everyone but second basemen," agent Bob Garber said. Loretta has a career .299 batting average.

[johngateswhiteley]

good

[leemajors]

i think the stros missed vizcaino a lot last year, hopefully loretta can fill that kind of role as a utility infielder.

[johngateswhiteley]

i think the stros missed vizcaino a lot last year, hopefully loretta can fill that kind of role as a utility infielder.

i agree.

[T Park]

Nice signing.

[v2freak]

As a Red Sox fan, I've seen him play all season. He's been solid, can play 6 positions (every IF position, DH + some relief pitching believe it or not) and is a terrific lead off hitter. Sad to see him go, but best of luck to the Astros

[Supergirl]

Damn, I don't understand why the Red Sox didn't make signing him a priority this season. He was one of their best hitters and most durable players last year.