Mark Loretta, 2B, Boston Red Sox

January 9, 2006 @ 14:29:34

By Brad Berreman
Edited by KFFL Staff

The Boston Red Sox traded for former San Diego Padres 2B Mark Loretta December 7, in exchange for backup C Doug Mirabelli.  Loretta will help to fill the void at the top of the Red Sox lineup left by the free agent departure of OF Johnny Damon.  He should bat No. 2 in the order and be a very solid player.

In 2005, Loretta played just 105 games due to a thumb injury, which required surgery.  In fact, he has had a few seasons shortened by injury, including 2000, 2001 and 2002.  His injuries in the past include a fractured left fibula, a left thumb injury and a strained left hamstring. 

Table: Mark Loretta, 2B Boston Red Sox-Career Stats

Team	Year	G	AB	H	AVG	HR	RBI	R
MIL	1995	19	50	13	.260	1	3	13
MIL	1996	73	154	43	.279	1	13	20
MIL	1997	132	418	120	.287	5	47	56
MIL	1998	140	434	137	.316	6	54	55
MIL	1999	153	587	170	.290	5	67	93
MIL	2000	91	352	99	.281	7	40	49
MIL	2001	102	384	111	.289	2	29	40
MIL	2002	86	217	58	.267	2	19	23
HOU	2002	21	66	28	.424	2	8	10
SD	2003	154	589	185	.314	13	72	74
SD	2004	154	620	208	.335	16	76	108
SD	2005	105	404	113	.280	3	38	54

In 2004, Loretta set career highs in home runs, RBI, batting average, hits, at-bats and runs scored while establishing many Padres team records for second basemen and becoming the first Padre, besides former All-Star OF Tony Gwynn, to record 200 hits in a season.  He was also elected to the National League All-Star team as a reserve that year.  Loretta has a career .301 batting average and .365 on-base percentage.

Loretta has played all four infield positions in his major league career, but has mainly played second base or shortstop.  He has always been a very solid fielder, but has yet to win a Gold Glove.  His versatility could help him get a lot of at-bats for Boston in 2005.

Fenway Park would seem to suit Loretta’s line-drive hitting style well.  Despite the loss of Damon, the Red Sox lineup still has 1B/DH David Ortiz and OFs Manny Ramirez (most likely) and Trot Nixon to drive in runs.  The offseason acquisitions of former Florida Marlins 3B Mike Lowell and former San Francisco Giants 1B J.T. Snow should help the Boston offense remain productive.  It is almost certain the Red Sox will address needs at center field and shortstop before opening day as well, unless Loretta ends up at shortstop, which would make second base become a possible position of need.  With his ability to get on base and a reputation as a solid hitter, Loretta could easily have a bounce-back year in 2006.  It is unrealistic to expect numbers similar to 2004 for him, but a near .300 average, 10-15 HRs, 50-60 RBIs with 100-plus runs scored is realistic, provided he stays healthy.  

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Brad Berreman
Brad Berreman has been a KFFL contributor since 2004.

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