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SportsJustice
A sports blog with Richard Justice
Loretta makes the Astros better in ways that can't be measured.
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice...a_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 compe ive 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.
