How is Mark Loretta still a free agent?

By David
Kaye

I struggle to understand how second basemen Mark Loretta is still avaliable on the market. The 12 year veteran is a career .299 hitter and a person who would make a great fit with many teams as their starting second basemen.

The Northwestern graduate played with the Red Sox' last season and was selected to his second all star game in the last three seasons. With a .987 career fielding percentage Loretta is excellent with the glove, but more importantly he's a great guy to have in the clubhouse.

Loretta comes off as having a great demenor and he would be an excellent match for a team who has a young second basemen that needs mentoring. Still, based on his play on the field he deserves to start.

He might not have the power of a Chase Utley, but he should not be demoted to a utility role.The Yankees were looking at Loretta for a utility position and at the current time they seem like the front runner for his services.

The Texas Rangers were also eyeing Loretta as a utility player. If signed, they hope that he can fill the void left by Mark DeRosa's departure. Loretta played a few games at first base for the Red Sox' last season and has also played at shortstop in his career. The only negative for him is that he has never played the outfield.

The former Silver Slugger award winner lead all American League second basemen with 181 hits last season and he proved his durability as he played in 155 games.

Whereever Loretta ends up next season, he will be a productive and consistent hitter.