Add to my watchlist

Mark Loretta

Infielder for Free Agents

HOTW Articles

Astros | Have not talked with Loretta
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:42:30 -0800

Jim Molony, of MLB.com, reports the Houston Astros have not made contact with the agent for free-agent IF Mark Loretta (Astros). However, this does not mean that the team is not interested in re-signing him, according to general manager Ed Wade.

Diamondbacks | Loretta may be too pricey
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:12:57 -0800

Jack Magruder, of the East Valley Tribune, reports free-agent IF Mark Loretta (Astros) may be too pricey for the Arizona Diamondbacks taste. It appears more likely now that the Diamondbacks will add a second baseman through a trade.

Diamondbacks | Loretta on radar
Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:28:47 -0800

Jack Magruder, of the East Valley Tribune, reports the Arizona Diamondbacks have their radar on free-agent IF Mark Loretta (Astros). The Diamondbacks have had talks with Loretta's camp, but no deal appears imminent.

Astros | Loretta files for free agency
Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:58:16 -0700

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta filed for free agency.

Astros | Loretta will benefit from Matsui's absence
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:50:58 -0700

The Houston Chronicle's Brian McTaggart reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta figures to get some significant playing time in the next couple of weeks with IF Kazuo Matsui (back) on the disabled list for the third time this season. "Loretta will play against most lefthanders, but there might be some Geoff Blum days over there," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "We've got to try to mix and match."

Astros | Loretta says he is available for duty
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:34:41 -0700

The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta (thigh) said his bruised left thigh was responding to anti-inflammatory medication and that he was available to play.

Astros | Loretta unavailable Wednesday
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:09:44 -0700

Andrew Seligman, of The Associated Press, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta (soreness) was not available Wednesday, Aug. 6, because he was sore from a collision at home plate over the weekend.

Astros | Loretta not fully recovered
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:24:55 -0700

Alyson Footer, of MLB.com, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta (thigh) has not fully recovered from his bruised thigh. Loretta said he is currently at around 75 percent.

Astros | Loretta out of Monday lineup
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:16:16 -0700

The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta (thigh) was out of the starting lineup Monday, Aug. 4, for the second game in a row recovering from a bruised left thigh he suffered on Aug. 2. "I'm sore, but I'm available," Loretta said. "I just got a bruised thigh, a deep thigh bruise or whatever. It's just a football injury."

Astros | Loretta hits grand slam Friday
Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:02:01 -0700

Chris Duncan, of The Associated Press, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta hit his fourth career grand slam Friday, Aug. 1. The grand slam was also Loretta's second pinch-hit home run this season and the team's second grand slam in three nights.

Astros | Loretta drives in four runs
Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:18:39 -0700

Houston Astros 2B Mark Loretta went 3-for-4 Saturday, July 5, against the Atlanta Braves, with four RBIs, according to The Associated Press.

Astros | Loretta hits game-winning single
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:48:20 -0700

The Associated Press reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta hit an RBI-single in the eighth inning Sunday, June 29, that eventually defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2. He also hit a three-run homer the day before.

Astros | Loretta in lineup Tuesday
Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:48:08 -0700

Zachary Levine, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta was in the starting lineup at second base Tuesday, June 24. He likely will see most of the time at second base while 2B Kazuo Matsui (hamstring) is out of the lineup.

Astros | Loretta starts at shortstop
Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:00:42 -0700

Jose de Jesus Ortiz, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Astros 3B Mark Loretta received the start at shortstop Friday, June 6.

Astros | Matsui likely to sit Monday
Mon, 12 May 2008 10:26:42 -0700

Astros.MLB.com's Alyson Footer reports Houston Astros 2B Kazuo Matsui will likely sit Monday, May 12, in favor of IF Mark Loretta.

Astros | Loretta hits a homer Thursday
Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:19:23 -0700

Jordan Bastian, of MLB.com, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta hit a two-run home run in the team's spring training game Thursday, March 27.

Dodgers | Team could pursue Loretta
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:51:45 -0700

Ken Rosenthal, of FOXSports.com, reports the Los Angeles Dodgers could pursue a trade for Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta to start at third base until 3B Nomar Garciaparra (hand) returns from injury.

Orioles | Team may be pursuing Loretta
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:56:55 -0700

Jeff Zrebiec, of The Baltimore Sun, reports the Baltimore Orioles may be pursuing a trade for Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta.

Astros | Loretta could start in Matsui's absence
Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:23:46 -0700

Brian McTaggert, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Astros 2B Mark Loretta could start at second base to begin the season while 2B Kazuo Matsui (anus) recovers from surgery.

Astros | Loretta drives in three Thursday
Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:45:25 -0700

The Sports Network reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta had three RBIs in the team's spring training game Thursday, March 13.

Orioles | Interest in Loretta
Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:22:11 -0700

The Houston Chronicle reports the Baltimore Orioles have interest in Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta. A scout has been in attendance at some of the Astros games.

Astros | Loretta loses arbitration case
Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:04:40 -0800

Alyson Footer, of Astros.MLB.com, reports the Houston Astros have won their arbitration case against IF Mark Loretta. The Astros offered $2.75 million, while Lorretta was asking for $4.9 million.

Astros | Loretta to go to arbitration
Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:43:20 -0800

The Houston Chronicle's Brian McTaggart reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta will go to salary arbitration after the team failed to reach a contract agreement with him on Jan. 23.

Astros | Agents for Loretta, Valverde notified of deadline
Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:26:43 -0800

The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade said he had notified the agents for IF Mark Loretta and CL Jose Valverde the club is prepared to have an arbitration panel decide their 2008 salaries if they don't reach a deal by Jan. 23.

Astros | Loretta, team exchange arbitration figures
Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:24:00 -0800

Updating previous reports, the Houston Astros are offering $2.75 million to IF Mark Loretta in arbitration, while he is asking for $4.9 million, according to USAToday.com. Loretta made $3.5 million in 2007.

Astros | Loretta accepts salary arbitration
Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:28:45 -0800

Updating previous reports, Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta has accepted salary arbitration, according to USAToday.com.

Astros | Loretta expected to accept arbitration
Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:53:14 -0800

Brian McTaggert, of the Houston Chronicle, reports free-agent IF Mark Loretta (Astros) is expected to accept the Houston Astros' offer of arbitration. "We're leaning towards accepting," Loretta said. "I'm still waiting from a call from my agent, but that's what it looks like we're going to do."

Rockies | Team interested in Loretta
Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:31:05 -0800

Thomas Harding, of Rockies.MLB.com, reports the Colorado Rockies are interested in signing free-agent IF Mark Loretta (Astros).

Astros | Loretta offered arbitration
Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:40:49 -0800

The Houston Astros have offered arbitration to free agent IF Mark Loretta, according to the Associated Press. Loretta has until Friday, Dec. 7 to accept the offer; if he declines and signs with another club, the team will receive a compensatory draft selection between the first and second rounds of the June 2008 draft.

Astros | Loretta files for free agency
Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:08:40 -0700

Ken Mandel, of MLB.com, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta has filed for free agency.

Astros | Ausmus, Loretta among those involved in San Diego fires
Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:28:18 -0700

The Houston Chronicle's Brian McTaggart reports Houston Astros 2B Mark Loretta and his family and C Brad Ausmus and his family are involved in the string of wildfires around San Diego County. Loretta's family was ordered to evacuate, while Ausmus' family had their bags packed and were ready to abandon their Del Mar home before residents were allowed to stay home. "It's looking a lot better," said Ausmus. "My wife and I packed up the two cars with pictures, clothes, some personal effects, and then we were told to evacuate. We went to bed and decided to wait it out because the fire was eight or nine miles away."

Astros | Loretta bothered by sore knee
Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:28:34 -0700

Jose De Jesus Ortiz, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Astros 2B Mark Loretta (knee) is receiving treatment on his left knee, although it was not sore enough to keep him out of the lineup Sunday, Sept. 9.

Astros | Loretta and Burke may share time at second
Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:20:43 -0700

Alyson Footer, of Astros.MLB.com, reports Houston Astros 2B Chris Burke may not be an everyday starter at second base, as was previously expected. Burke was supposed to be eased into the role of everyday second baseman once 2B Craig Biggio reached 3,000 hits on the season. However, Astros manager Phil Garner might be tempted to increase the playing time of IF Mark Loretta, who's batting average has not dipped below .300 all season.

Astros | Team hits walkoff homers in consecutive games
Sat, 30 Jun 2007 07:33:33 -0700

The Associated Press reports that the Houston Astros are the first team to hit walkoff home runs in consecutive games since the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who accomplished the feat on May 19-20, 2006, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. OF Carlos Lee homered in the bottom of the 11th, Thursday, June 28, and 2B Mark Loretta homered in the bottom of the ninth, Friday, June 29. Both home runs were hit off Colorado Rockies CL Brian Fuentes, and it is the first time in Astros history the team has hit walkoff homers in consecutive games.

Astros | Loretta unable to start at shortstop
Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:01:03 -0700

Alyson Footer, of Houston.Astros.MLB.com, reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta (back) was scheduled to start at shortstop Wednesday, June 20, but was unable to because of back stiffness. He instead served as the team's designated hitter.

Astros | Loretta reaches 1,500 hits
Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:30:04 -0700

The Associated Press reports Houston Astros 2B Mark Loretta's single in the third inning of the May 31 game against the Cincinnati Reds was his 1,500th career hit.

Astros | Loretta starts at short again Sunday
Mon, 21 May 2007 09:21:17 -0700

According to Alyson Footer, of Astros.MLB.com, Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta started at shortstop for the second consecutive game Sunday, May 20.

Astros | Team puts in backups
Thu, 10 May 2007 12:34:17 -0700

Alyson Footer, of Astros.MLB.com, reports the Houston Astros started many backup players in the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, May 10. Orlando Palmeiro started in right field, Mark Loretta started at shortstop, Mike Lamb started at third base and Chris Burke started at second base.

Astros | Rotation being used at third base
Wed, 02 May 2007 12:21:09 -0700

Alyson Footer, of Houston.Astros.MLB.com, reports since Tuesday, April 24, the Houston Astros have given 3B Morgan Ensberg three starts at third base, 3B Mike Lamb two starts and IF Mark Loretta two starts. Ensberg has been the best out of the three defensively, however, he hit only .247 in April while Loretta hit .375 and Lamb hit .360. Manager Phil Garner said he will continue to rotate the three at third base as he tries to generate more offense from the club.

Astros | Bruntlett senses ax about to fall
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 23:22:21 -0700

The Houston Chronicle's Jose De Jesus Ortiz and Brian McTaggart report Houston Astros IF Eric Bruntlett expects he'll be cut loose from the major-league roster thanks to the signing of veteran 2B Mark Loretta. "I don't expect to be on this team," said Bruntlett. "Unless something else happens, like a trade or someone gets hurt, as it stands right now there isn't room for me. Unless they take one less pitcher, but I don't see any way they could do that the way the pitching staff is set up."

Astros | Everett given the day off
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:55:40 -0700

Alyson Footer, of Astros.MLB.com, reports Houston Astros SS Adam Everett (stiffness) was given the day off because of general stiffness. IF Mark Loretta started in Everett's place Wednesday, March 14, against the Atlanta Braves. "I hadn't planned to play [Everett] today and I may give him tomorrow, too," manager Phil Garner said.

Astros | Loretta's sore neck forces lineup shuffle
Wed, 07 Mar 2007 01:06:40 -0800

The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Astros 2B Mark Loretta (neck) was scratched from the lineup March 6 against the New York Mets after complaining of a sore neck. 2B Craig Biggio, who was originally supposed to be the DH that day, was moved back to second base.

Astros | Loretta wins Hutch award
Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:26:25 -0800

Updating previous reports, Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta has been named the recipient of the 2007 Hutch Award, according to Bob Sherwin, for Houston.Astros.MLB.com. The award is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication shown by Fred Hutchinson, a former MLB player and manager who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 45 in 1964.

Astros | Loretta to take on super utility role
Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:26:24 -0800

The Associated Press reports Houston Astros IF Mark Loretta will likely play several infield positions as part of his expected "super utility" role. Loretta has spent the majority of his career playing second base, and figures to get a handful of starts at that position spelling 2B Craig Biggio. Loretta also said he can play shortstop and both corner infield positions and figures he'll probably end up playing 3-5 days a week.

Astros | Loretta signs
Thu, 04 Jan 2007 08:35:12 -0800

Amy K. Nelson, of ESPN The Magazine, reports the Houston Astros signed free agent 2B Mark Loretta (Red Sox) to a one-year, $2.5 million deal that could be worth as much as $3.5 million with incentives. Loretta reportedly will play "all over the infield" according to his agent Bob Garber.

Rangers | Loretta says no thanks
Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:38:53 -0800

The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant reports free-agent 2B Mark Loretta (Red Sox) has told the Texas Rangers he is signing elsewhere. The name of the club that has signed Loretta was not disclosed. The move is expected to give IF Joaquin Arias and OF/DH Jason Botts a chance to make the club out of spring camp.

Yankees | Looking at Loretta
Sun, 31 Dec 2006 21:06:54 -0800

Updating an earlier item, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the New York Yankees are looking at signing free agent 2B Mark Loretta (Red Sox) as a utility infielder, although he was hoping to land a job somewhere as a starting second baseman.

Rangers | Interested in Loretta
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:03:58 -0800

T.R. Sullivan, of Texas.Rangers.MLB.com, reports the Texas Rangers are interested in signing free agent 2B Mark Loretta (Red Sox) as a utility infielder.

Yankees | Club considering Loretta
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:10:55 -0800

Peter Botte, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Yankees have discussed the possibility of signing free-agent 2B Mark Loretta (Red Sox) to start at first base for them. Loretta could also function as a utility infielder if the team fails to re-sign IF Miguel Cairo.

Orioles | Loretta's agent has talks with team
Sat, 16 Dec 2006 21:06:01 -0800

The agent of free agent 2B Mark Loretta has had talks with the Baltimore Orioles, according to the Associated Press. However, the team would only attempt to sign him if they are able to trade current 2B Brian Roberts.