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Mark Loretta
Mark Loretta in the News
Loretta offers relief help in Dodgers' loss: To save his bullpen, if not make a point, Dodgers manager Joe Torre put utility infielder Mark Loretta in to relieve with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning Tuesday night.
Hudson's HR helps Dodgers beat A's 3-2: LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Orlando Hudson homered, pinch-hitter Mark Loretta drove in the go-ahead run and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday night to take the rubber game of their interleague series....
Pierre, Loretta help Dodgers sweep Rockies: Juan Pierre has stepped to the fore as the Los Angeles Dodgers' offensive catalyst since becoming a fixture in the lineup in place of suspended outfielder Manny Ramirez. He was at it again Wednesday, joining Mark Loretta to hit successive RBI singles with two...
Wild 11th gives Dodgers win over Mets: Mets first baseman Jeremy Reed's throwing error to the plate allowed Mark Loretta to score from third base with one out in the bottom of the 11th inning Monday night to give the first-place Dodgers a wild 3-2 walk-off win over the first-place Mets.
Billingsley among three injured: Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley and infielders Mark Loretta and Blake DeWitt were removed from Monday's exhibition game against the Angels with what the club described as minor injuries.
Dodgers finalize one-year deal for Loretta: The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a one-year contract with free agent Mark Loretta on Wednesday, helping further upgrade an infield that's been an offseason priority for the NL West champions.
Dodgers finalize one-year deal for Loretta: The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a $1.25 million, one-year contract with free agent utilityman Mark Loretta on Wednesday, helping further upgrade an infield that's been an offseason priority for the NL West champions.
Dodgers add depth, finalize deal with Loretta: The Dodgers finalized a one-year deal with Mark Loretta on Wednesday.
Dodgers finalize 1-year deal for Loretta (AP): The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a $1.25 million, one-year contract with free agent utilityman Mark Loretta on Wednesday, helping further upgrade an infield that's been an offseason priority for the NL West champions. The sides had already reached a preliminary agreement at the winter meetings but Loretta needed to complete a physical.
AP source: Dodgers close on Blake, Loretta deals: The Los Angeles Dodgers reached agreements with free-agent infielders Casey Blake and Mark Loretta on Tuesday and awaited physicals to complete the deals.
Blake, Loretta reach agreements with Dodgers: The Dodgers are expected to announce the signings of Casey Blake and Mark Loretta on Tuesday.
Dodgers reach deals with Blake, Loretta (AP): As the Los Angeles Dodgers began to fill holes in their infield, they also were trying to determine whether they could make legitimate runs at Manny Ramirez and CC Sabathia. Los Angeles completed a $17.5 million, three-year contract with third baseman Casey Blake at the winter meetings Tuesday and agreed to terms with free-agent infielder Mark Loretta on a one-year deal.
Dodgers agree to terms with Loretta: While closing in on re-signing third baseman Casey Blake, the Dodgers further solidified their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with utilityman Mark Loretta on a one-year contract, according to agent Bob Garber.
Former Astros infielder Loretta signs with Dodgers: Mark Loretta has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, pending a physical.
D-backs looking at Loretta, Easley: After offering left-handed-hitting infielder Ramon Vazquez a contract late last week, the D-backs are still looking for a right-hander to help out against lefties, including free agents Damion Easley and Mark Loretta.
ASTROS NOTES: Loretta expects more playing time: Mark Loretta figures to get some significant playing time in the next couple of weeks with Kaz Matsui on the disabled list for the third time this season.
Astros 6, Giants 2: HOUSTON (AP) -- Mark Loretta walked and was hit by a pitch during a wild sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the San Francisco Giants 6-2 Wednesday night for their season-high seventh straight victory.
Astros 7, Mets 3: With MartÃnez, Mets Lose, but They Lose No Ground: After Pedro MartÃnez left the m0und on Friday, the Astros pinch-hitter Mark Loretta hit a grand slam against Mets reliever Aaron Heilman to break a 3-3 tie.
Astros' Loretta slams Mets in a pinch: Pinch-hitter Mark Loretta hit a tie-breaking grand slam off Aaron Heilman in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros beat the visiting New York Mets, 7-3, last night.
Loretta comes through in a pinch: Pinch-hitter Mark Loretta's run-scoring single drove in the go-ahead run with two outs in the eighth and knocked his former team out of first place as the Astros beat Boston 3-2 Sunday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at Minute Maid Park.
Astros 3, Red Sox 2: Mark Loretta had a pinch-hit, RBI single in the eighth inning off Hideki Okajima on Sunday to lift the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Loretta lifts Astros past Red Sox 3-2: Mark Loretta had a pinch-hit, RBI single in the eighth inning off Hideki Okajima on Sunday to lift the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Loretta lifts Astros past Red Sox 3-2 (AP):
Houston Astros' Miguel Tejada scores the go ahead run on a single by Mark Loretta in the eighth inning against the Red Sox as Astros' Humberto Quintero looks on during a baseball game Sunday, June 29, 2008, in Houston. " align="left" border="0">
Mark Loretta has gone from All-Star to nemesis for the Boston Red Sox. Loretta had a pinch-hit, RBI single in the eighth inning off Hideki Okajima on Sunday to lift the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the Red Sox. An All-Star second baseman for Boston in 2006, Loretta signed with Houston as a free agent in January 2007.
Lester pained by events in third: HOUSTON - The ball hit off of Jon Lester's left ankle and bounced all the way to first base. The wicked grounder off the bat of Miguel Tejada that went for a single must have stung. But not as much as the next pitch he threw in the third inning, the first one to Mark Loretta that left the park ...
Homers fuel big comeback for Astros: Apparently, not even a bad starting performance and shoddy defense is enough to stop the Astros these days. They received very little from Chris Sampson on the mound, and Mark Loretta was, at best, rusty as Miguel Tejada's replacement at short, committing two errors. And still, the Astros overcame a wide deficit to beat the Giants, 8-7, on Thursday.
Astros snap 3-game losing streak with 6-4 win over Rockies: After three straight losses, the Astros edged the Rockies 6-4 today at Minute Maid Park. Kaz MatsuiÂ’s two-out single in the bottom of the eighth inning scored Hunter Pence and Mark Loretta to send the Astros past the Colorado Rockies 6-4 this afternoon at Minute Maid Park.
Defense puts on dazzling display for Astros: On a ground ball in the fifth inning, Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada and second baseman Mark Loretta teamed up for what amounts to baseball's version of ballet in cleats. Tejada gloved the ball going to his left and flipped to Loretta, who caught it barehanded and relayed to first baseman Lance Berkman for an advanced-textbook double play.
ASTROS NOTES: Pence hits seventh:
Pence dropped to No. 7
Astros managerCecil Coopermade a switch in the batting order for Friday's series opener against Florida, with struggling right fielderHunter Penceand second basemanMark Lorettaswapping spots. Pence dropped to the No. 7 spot, while Loretta moved to No. 2.Astros summary: Blum gets first start:
Blum gets first start
Geoff Blummade his first start of the season, opening the game at second base and batting sixth.Mark Lorettastarted the first two games of the season at second base. It turned out to be a good call by managerCecil Cooper. Blum homered in his first at-bat in the second inning.Loretta a good bet to start for Astros with utility, ability: If 13 seasons in the major leagues have taught Astros utility infielder Mark Loretta anything, it's to expect the unexpected. No wonder the guy carries three different gloves in his travel bag.
Astros infielder Matsui to miss start of season: The Astros will begin the season without second baseman Kaz Matsui as he recovers from surgery to repair an anal fissure. Geoff Blum and Mark Loretta are among possible replacements.
BASEBALL NOTES: Astros'Pence cut in accident:
Houston Astros right fielder Hunter Pence crashed through a sliding glass door in the bathroom of his spring training home in Kissimmee, Fla., leaving him with multiple cuts that will sideline him for a week.
Pence, a former UT-Arlington star, went to the emergency room after the Monday accident. He arrived at camp Tuesday with a gash on his right index finger and a brace on his left knee.Pence said he was in a hot tub at the home where he's staying and got out to use the bathroom. He had left the door open, but didn't noticed that a friend had just closed it. He hit it with his shoulder, leg and head and it shattered.World Baseball ClassicNext year's World Baseball Classic will have the same 16-team field that competed in the 2006 tournament: Controlled by Major League Baseball and the players'association, the organization invited the eight teams that failed to advance past the first round two years ago: Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Netherlands, Panama, South Africa and Taiwan.Last April, organizers invited the eight teams that made it to the second round: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United States and Venezuela.BrieflyNationals:Left-hander Odalis Perez agreed to a non-guaranteed, minor league contract with Washington that will pay him $850,000 if he makes the team.Astros:Houston won against infielder Mark Loretta in salary arbitration. Loretta will be paid $2.75 million rather than the $4.9 million he requested.Notes: Loretta loses arbitration case: The Houston Astros defeated former All-Star Mark Loretta in salary arbitration Tuesday. Loretta asked for $4.9 million, while the club offered $2.75 million.
ASTROS NOTES: Loretta loses arbitration: The Astros won their arbitration case against infielder Mark Loretta, who will earn $2.75 million this season instead of the $4.9 million he had asked for.
BASEBALL NOTES: Astros' Pence cut in accident:
Houston Astros right fielder Hunter Pence crashed through a sliding glass door in the bathroom of his spring training home in Kissimmee, Fla., leaving him with multiple cuts that will sideline him for a week.
Pence, a former UT-Arlington star, went to the emergency room after the Monday accident. He arrived at camp Tuesday with a gash on his right index finger and a brace on his left knee.Pence said he was in a hot tub at the home where he's staying and got out to use the bathroom. He had left the door open, but didn't noticed that a friend had just closed it. He hit it with his shoulder, leg and head and it shattered.World Baseball ClassicNext year's World Baseball Classic will have the same 16-team field that competed in the 2006 tournament: Controlled by Major League Baseball and the players'association, the organization invited the eight teams that failed to advance past the first round two years ago: Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Netherlands, Panama, South Africa and Taiwan.Last April, organizers invited the eight teams that made it to the second round: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United States and Venezuela.BrieflyNationals:Left-hander Odalis Perez agreed to a non-guaranteed, minor league contract with Washington that will pay him $850,000 if he makes the team.Astros:Houston won against infielder Mark Loretta in salary arbitration. Loretta will be paid $2.75 million rather than the $4.9 million he requested.ASTROS NOTES: Loretta decision due soon: The Astros could find out today if they won their arbitration case against infielderMark Loretta, which was heard Monday morning during a four-hour hearing in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Loretta set for arbitration with Astros: Three days after winning their case against closer Jose Valverde, the Astros will have another arbitration hearing Monday morning with infielder Mark Loretta in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Wade cuts off talks with Loretta, Valverde: Though they would have preferred to have more time to work out deals with the Astros, the agents for closer Jose Valverde and infielder Mark Loretta believe they can win their clients' cases in arbitration.
Wade cuts off negotiations with Loretta, Valverde: Though they would have preferred to have more time to work out deals with the Astros, the agents for closer Jose Valverde and infielder Mark Loretta believe they can win their clients' cases in arbitration.
Astros end talks with Valverde, Loretta: The workday ended on Wednesday without contract agreements for Mark Loretta and Jose Valverde, and GM Ed Wade will begin preparing to go to arbitration hearings with both players.
Astros to go to arbitration with Loretta, Valverde: The Astros' self-imposed deadline of reaching contract agreements with Mark Loretta and Jose Valverde passed without deals in place, meaning the club is gearing up for arbitration hearings.
Astros impose signing deadline on Valverde, Loretta: Barring a pair of last-minute deals, the Astros could be headed for their first arbitration hearing in more than a decade. Astros general manager Ed Wade said Tuesday he had notified the agents for infielder Mark Loretta and closer Jose Valverde the club is prepared to have an arbitration panel decide their 2008 salaries if they don't reach a deal by this afternoon.
Loretta accepts arbitration with Astros: Prior to the 11 p.m. CT deadline on Friday, the Astros were informed by infielder Mark Loretta that he accepted the club's arbitration offer. Conversely, left-hander Trever Miller declined the offer.
Three accept arbitration: Andy Pettitte, Michael Barrett and Mark Loretta were the only players to accept arbitration among the 17 offered arbitration by their former clubs last Saturday.
Loretta to stay with Astros; Miller tests free agency: Utility infielder Mark Loretta said today he plans to accept the Astros offer of salary arbitration and return to the club in 2008. Reliever Trever Miller will see what he can get in free agency.
Yankees' Pettitte accepts arbitration: Andy Pettitte formally returned to the New York Yankees on Friday night when he accepted the team's offer of salary arbitration.Catcher Michael Barrett returned to the San Diego Padres when he accepted his club's offer and infielder Mark Loretta went back to the Houston Astros. They were the only players to accept among the 17 offered arbitration by their former clubs last Saturday.
Pettitte, 2 others accept arbitration (AP): Andy Pettitte formally returned to the New York Yankees on Friday night when he accepted the team's offer of salary arbitration. Catcher Michael Barrett returned to the San Diego Padres when he accepted his club's offer and infielder Mark Loretta went back to the Houston Astros. They were the only players to accept among the 17 offered arbitration by their former clubs last Saturday.
Loretta leans toward staying with Astros: As the winter meetings concluded Thursday, Astros GM Ed Wade picked up a lefthanded reliever in the Rule V draft, left some trade offers on the table and found out that in all likelihood he will get veteran infielder Mark Loretta back today.
Winter meetings conclude with little action for Astros: As the winter meetings concluded today, Astros general manager Ed Wade picked up a lefthanded reliever in the Rule V draft, left some trade offers on the table and found out that in all likelihood he will get veteran infielder Mark Loretta back Friday.
Astros offer arbitration to Loretta, Miller: The Astros offered arbitration to infielder Mark Loretta and left-handed reliever Trever Miller Saturday but declined to offer arbitration to its five other free agents.
Loretta, Miller offered arbitration by Astros: The Astros announced Saturday that the club has offered salary arbitration to infielder Mark Loretta and relief pitcher Trever Miller. The two have until Friday to accept or decline arbitration.
Rangers ready to give Salty reins: The Astros have until midnight on Saturday to decide whether to offer salary arbitration to the six former Astros who have filed for free agency including Mike Lamb, Mark Loretta, Jason Jennings, Orlando Palmeiro, Trever Miller and Brian Moehler.
Deadline looming for arbitration offers: The Astros have until midnight on Saturday to decide whether to offer salary arbitration to the six former Astros who have filed for free agency including Mike Lamb, Mark Loretta, Jason Jennings, Orlando Palmeiro, Trever Miller and Brian Moehler.
Ausmus, Lamb, other Astros seek free agency: Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, infielders Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta, lefthander Trever Miller, righthander Brian Moehler and outfielder Orlando Palmeiro filed for free agency on Monday as expected.
Astros' Ausmus, Loretta deal with wildfires: The relentless wildfires that have forced the evacuation of more than 500,000 people in the San Diego area have led to a few uneasy days for Astros catcher Brad Ausmus and teammate and close friend Mark Loretta.
Notes: Jones illustrates club's mindset: As far as Jacque Jones is concerned, the Cubs outfielder's diving catches are normal, everyday things. Jones robbed Houston pinch-hitter Mark Loretta of a potential extra-base hit and RBI on Sunday when he snared the ball in the gap in left-center in the eighth inning. Derrek Lee hit a two-run homer in the Cubs' eighth for the 6-5 come-from-behind win.
Loretta waves magic wand for Astros: For a second consecutive night, the Astros found late-inning magic at Minute Maid Park off Colorado closer Brian Fuentes. Trailing, 8-7, with two outs in the ninth, Mark Loretta drilled a two-run home run to the Crawford Boxes to give the Astros a 9-8 victory. It's the Astros' second straight win on a walk-off home run.
Bonds Moves Within 5 of Aaron's Mark: The fans in San Francisco went wild when Barry Bonds hit No. 750 on Friday night. In Houston, Mark Loretta's teammates swarmed the plate for a second straight night after he hit No. 69....
Walk-off homer propels Astros to win over Rockies: Less than 24 hours after celebrating Craig Biggio's 3,000th hit, the Astros kept the party going. Mark Loretta hit a two-out, two-run homer off Brian Fuentes as the Astros rallied for a 9-8 victory before a sellout crowd of 42,861 at Minute Maid Park.
Astros top Rockies on walk-off HR again (AP):
Houston Astros' Mark Loretta, right, is welcomed at home plate after hitting a two-run home run to beat the Colorado Rockies, 9-8, in the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 29, 2007, in Houston. " align="left" border="0">
Carlos Lee predicted Mark Loretta would hit the game-winner before the ninth inning on Friday night. Maybe the Houston Astros slugger should moonlight as a psychic. Loretta hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth to lift the Astros to a 9-8 win over the Colorado Rockies, the second night in a row the Astros hit a walk-off home run off Rockies closer Brian Fuentes.
Lamb leads Astros past Mariners: Mike Lamb drove in three runs and tied a career high with four hits, leading the Astros to a 5-1 victory in Friday's series opener with Seattle at Minute Maid Park. Lamb broke a scoreless tie in the second by hitting a double to left-center off Seattle starter Felix Hernandez (3-4), scoring Mark Loretta.
Loretta's professionalism shines during Astros' tough year: There's been quite a bit of private whining in the Astros' clubhouse this year, but not from Mark Loretta who sometimes struggles to get on the field despite a .328 batting average this season.
Garner overhauls lineup for Game 2: Astros manager Phil Garner made his most drastic change yet to the starting lineup, moving All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman to right field and inserting Mike Lamb at first base and Mark Loretta at third base.
ASTROS NOTES: Loretta gets another start at short:
Loretta still at short
Mark Lorettastarted at shortstop for a second day in a row Sunday, but managerPhil Garnerhasn't given an indication whenAdam Everettwill return to the lineup. Everett is hitting .190, including .129 in May.Astros bullpen plays its role to perfection against Giants: It wasn't as exciting as Hunter Pence's home run or the sparkling defensive plays of shortstop Adam Everett and third baseman Mark Loretta, but the work of the Astros' bullpen Wednesday night was every bit as important.
ASTROS NOTES: Lamb goes back to bench:
Lamb back to bench
A day after going 3-for-5,Mike Lambwas back on the bench.Morgan Ensberg, who has started the most games at third for the Astros, also was on the bench.Mark Lorettastarted at third base. Lamb is hitting .419 with two home runs and four RBIs.Astros finally win for Wandy: Wandy Rodriguez allowed one run in five innings for his first victory since last summer, and Houston beat Arizona to win its second straight series. Rodriguez, who had been winless since July 2, allowed four hits, including a second-inning homer to Scott Hairston that tied it 1-1. He was the last remaining Astros starter without a victory this season."I finally got a win -- thank God,"Rodriguez said through a translator. Carlos Lee was one of five Astros to drive in a run, going 2-for-3 and pushing his season total to 35 RBI. Arizona's Doug Davis lasted 4 1/3 innings in his shortest start of the season, allowing four runs. He is 2-0 at home but 0-4 on the road. Brad Ausmus put the Astros ahead for good with an RBI double in the fourth and scored on Mark Loretta's single for a 3-1 lead.
Loretta, Astros sigh in relief: So who was the bigger loser in the Roger Clemens sweepstakes?Mark Loretta doesn't think there was one."In some ways, it might be good for all the teams involved because it's settled...
Astros bench keys win against Reds: Mark Loretta, Mike Lamb and Luke Scott, none of whom had started Thursday night at Minute Maid Park, each had key hits in the eighth inning as the Astros rallied for a 7-5 win.
Wheeler locks down Astros win: Luke Scott hit a go-ahead, two-run double in a three-run eighth inning, leading the Houston Astros over the Cincinnati Reds 7-5 Thursday night.With the Reds ahead 5-4, pinch-hitters Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta hit back-to-back singles off Mike Stanton (1-1) with one out in the eighth, and Scott doubled to left-center for a 6-5 lead. Craig Biggio followed with an RBI double, his 2,957th hit. Dan Wheeler got three outs for his fifth save in six chances, inducing Ken Griffey Jr.
Astros end 7-game skid, rip Brewers 10-1 (AP):
Houston Astros' Craig Biggio (7) crosses home plate in front of Milwaukee Brewers catcher Johnny Estrada in the fifth inning in a baseball game Saturday, April 28, 2007, in Houston. Biggio had a triple and three RBIs to help the Astros snap a seven-game losing streak with a 10-1 win. " align="left" border="0">
All at once, the Houston Astros' offense came alive and delivered an easy and much-needed victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night. Craig Biggio had a triple and three RBIs as Astros snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 10-1 victory. Lance Berkman, Mark Loretta and Adam Everett each had two RBIs and the Astros shook out of a slump with their highest run total of the season.
Ensberg scratched from lineup: Third baseman Morgan Ensberg was scratched from the starting lineup prior to the Astros' series opener against the Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday. Ensberg was replaced in the lineup by Mark Loretta.
Notes: Loretta gets first start at short: Mark Loretta is going to receive his fair share of playing time this year, but the season was almost a week old before he was penciled into the Astros' starting lineup for the first time.
ASTROS NOTES: Loretta gets first start:
Loretta gets start
Mark Lorettawas in the starting lineup for the first time this season Sunday when he started at shortstop in place ofAdam Everettand went 1-for-4. Loretta has played only 30 games at shortstop since 2000, when he saw action in 90 games at short.Fit feels good for Astros, new infielder Loretta at spring training: There were opportunities with other clubs, but none felt quite as right or had as much to offer as what Mark Loretta received from the Astros.
Loretta honored with Hutch Award: Mark Loretta, presented with the 2007 Hutch Award on Thursday at a luncheon at Safeco Field, had trouble believing that he belonged in the same celebrated group of baseball players who have been honored before him.
M.L.B. Roundup: Yankees Are Taking a Look at Loretta: The latest name to surface in the Yankees’search for a first baseman is Mark Loretta, a free agent who spent last season as the second baseman for the Boston Red Sox.
Mark Loretta in the Blog Pen
John Shiffert: September 17, 2008 - Two Pitchers Making History: Cliff Lee and Carlos Zambrano:Jim Gerard: July 3, 2008 - DFA, chapter 31: Enter Letty:
: April 3, 2008 - DFA, chapter 20: Viva La Revolucion!:
Jim Gerard: March 17, 2008 - DFA, chapter 18 -The Creative Process:
: March 12, 2008 - My Transaction History, part 2:
Richard Lally: October 29, 2007 - A Guide to the 2007 Major League Baseball Free Agent Pool: Catchers and Infielders:
John Shiffert: June 27, 2007 - The Winless Pitcher Syndrome:
Peter Doyle: June 26, 2007 - Roger Clemens, The Best Righty?:
Richard Lally: June 18, 2007 - Richard Lally Spends Five Minutes With...Eddie Joost:
Peter Doyle: May 30, 2007 - Those Who Ignore History...:
: May 29, 2007 - :
: May 7, 2007 - : THE NATURAL, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
