Any interest in Loretta?

[Post Count Padder]

Per Rotoworld:

 

Mark Loretta-2B- Red Sox Sep. 29 - 8:40 am et

 

 

Mark Loretta is likely playing his final games with the Red Sox this weekend.

 

Boston plans to go with Dustin Pedroia as the everyday second baseman in 2007, so Loretta will have to seek employment elsewhere. Loretta has enjoyed a strong year, leading the team with 179 hits and playing solid defense at second, pretty well everything Boston could have hoped for. But the development of a younger, cheaper alternative in Pedroia makes keeper Loretta unnecessary.

 

 

I would not mind seeing Loretta in a Cub uniform next season, for the right price. He's getting up there in age, but it still a good hitter and him coupled with Cedeno or Izturis is better than a Cedeno Izturis middle infield. Loretta is also a nice #2 hitter. There are better options at 2B, but I'm just throwing this out there.

[Mizzou]

No thanks. The Riot can put up similar, if not better, numbers for league minimum. Don't spend 4 million on Loretta, spend that money elsewhere.

[daske17]

I've said it before, but it seems that Loretta is a RH Todd Walker. Since the Cubs lack OBP, I wouldn't mind seeing him in the lineup with a one-year deal.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

He's what, 35? Looks to me like he's in that downslide and not a significant upgrade over some other options we already have.

[Guest]

Loretta was better than Theriot but he's looking like a slow singles hitter to me these days.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wouldn't be upset if the Cubs signed Loretta. He's not my first choice and falls into a second tier of guys that I wouldn't mind seeing at second. The Cubs need to add OBP and SLG next year.

 

I'd like to see Soriano signed for second as he is the best power bat available and having him would open up other options in CF. If the Cubs signe a player like Loretta for second, then it is imperative the Cubs either upgrade power in CF or move Murton to get more power in left. I'd like to keep Murton around, so I'd prefer the Cubs get some power at second in addition to OBP, unless a trade for Andruw Jones can be made.

[mg420]

I wouldn't be upset if the Cubs signed Loretta. He's not my first choice and falls into a second tier of guys that I wouldn't mind seeing at second. The Cubs need to add OBP and SLG next year.

 

I'd like to see Soriano signed for second as he is the best power bat available and having him would open up other options in CF. If the Cubs signe a player like Loretta for second, then it is imperative the Cubs either upgrade power in CF or move Murton to get more power in left. I'd like to keep Murton around, so I'd prefer the Cubs get some power at second in addition to OBP, unless a trade for Andruw Jones can be made.

 

why is having alot of power so important? look at oakland, san diego & the twins. none of them have much power at all but they win with good pitching and a balanced line up. when lee, aram & barrett are all back healthy, this team should have enough power to win if they can get good pitching and a solid closer. trading murton would come back to haunt the cubs big time imo.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wouldn't be upset if the Cubs signed Loretta. He's not my first choice and falls into a second tier of guys that I wouldn't mind seeing at second. The Cubs need to add OBP and SLG next year.

 

I'd like to see Soriano signed for second as he is the best power bat available and having him would open up other options in CF. If the Cubs signe a player like Loretta for second, then it is imperative the Cubs either upgrade power in CF or move Murton to get more power in left. I'd like to keep Murton around, so I'd prefer the Cubs get some power at second in addition to OBP, unless a trade for Andruw Jones can be made.

 

why is having alot of power so important? look at oakland, san diego & the twins. none of them have much power at all but they win with good pitching and a balanced line up. when lee, aram & barrett are all back healthy, this team should have enough power to win if they can get good pitching and a solid closer. trading murton would come back to haunt the cubs big time imo.

 

Well, if you read closely, trading Murton is something I'd prefer not to do. That's why I'd like to add power through signing Soriano for secondbase. That way I keep Murton in left and add power at second. My second option would be to pursue a player like Jones for CF. Failing there, I think the Cubs would have to look at LF as a place to have a better bat in the line-up.

 

I think both OBP and SLG are important. As it stands, the Cubs don't have enough of either.

[soccer10k]

Per Rotoworld:

 

Mark Loretta-2B- Red Sox Sep. 29 - 8:40 am et

 

 

Mark Loretta is likely playing his final games with the Red Sox this weekend.

 

Boston plans to go with Dustin Pedroia as the everyday second baseman in 2007, so Loretta will have to seek employment elsewhere. Loretta has enjoyed a strong year, leading the team with 179 hits and playing solid defense at second, pretty well everything Boston could have hoped for. But the development of a younger, cheaper alternative in Pedroia makes keeper Loretta unnecessary.

 

 

I would not mind seeing Loretta in a Cub uniform next season, for the right price. He's getting up there in age, but it still a good hitter and him coupled with Cedeno or Izturis is better than a Cedeno Izturis middle infield. Loretta is also a nice #2 hitter. There are better options at 2B, but I'm just throwing this out there.

 

One guy that I work with went to high school and played baseball with Pedroia. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear this news.

[mg420]

I wouldn't be upset if the Cubs signed Loretta. He's not my first choice and falls into a second tier of guys that I wouldn't mind seeing at second. The Cubs need to add OBP and SLG next year.

 

I'd like to see Soriano signed for second as he is the best power bat available and having him would open up other options in CF. If the Cubs signe a player like Loretta for second, then it is imperative the Cubs either upgrade power in CF or move Murton to get more power in left. I'd like to keep Murton around, so I'd prefer the Cubs get some power at second in addition to OBP, unless a trade for Andruw Jones can be made.

 

why is having alot of power so important? look at oakland, san diego & the twins. none of them have much power at all but they win with good pitching and a balanced line up. when lee, aram & barrett are all back healthy, this team should have enough power to win if they can get good pitching and a solid closer. trading murton would come back to haunt the cubs big time imo.

 

Well, if you read closely, trading Murton is something I'd prefer not to do. That's why I'd like to add power through signing Soriano for secondbase. That way I keep Murton in left and add power at second. My second option would be to pursue a player like Jones for CF. Failing there, I think the Cubs would have to look at LF as a place to have a better bat in the line-up.

 

I think both OBP and SLG are important. As it stands, the Cubs don't have enough of either.

 

and again, i dont think that adding more power is that important. i think a .300 25 hr season is reasonable to expect from murton in 2007. i dont think there is any way they sign soriano to play 2b especially at the $ he will want. i would rather they follow brenly's philosophy of using the young players they have to win rather than getting older overpriced guys like jones & soriano.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wouldn't be upset if the Cubs signed Loretta. He's not my first choice and falls into a second tier of guys that I wouldn't mind seeing at second. The Cubs need to add OBP and SLG next year.

 

I'd like to see Soriano signed for second as he is the best power bat available and having him would open up other options in CF. If the Cubs signe a player like Loretta for second, then it is imperative the Cubs either upgrade power in CF or move Murton to get more power in left. I'd like to keep Murton around, so I'd prefer the Cubs get some power at second in addition to OBP, unless a trade for Andruw Jones can be made.

 

why is having alot of power so important? look at oakland, san diego & the twins. none of them have much power at all but they win with good pitching and a balanced line up. when lee, aram & barrett are all back healthy, this team should have enough power to win if they can get good pitching and a solid closer. trading murton would come back to haunt the cubs big time imo.

 

Well, if you read closely, trading Murton is something I'd prefer not to do. That's why I'd like to add power through signing Soriano for secondbase. That way I keep Murton in left and add power at second. My second option would be to pursue a player like Jones for CF. Failing there, I think the Cubs would have to look at LF as a place to have a better bat in the line-up.

 

I think both OBP and SLG are important. As it stands, the Cubs don't have enough of either.

 

and again, i dont think that adding more power is that important. i think a .300 25 hr season is reasonable to expect from murton in 2007. i dont think there is any way they sign soriano to play 2b especially at the $ he will want. i would rather they follow brenly's philosophy of using the young players they have to win rather than getting older overpriced guys like jones & soriano.

 

If we go into next year with the same team and pencil in Theriot and Murton, we will be lucky to finish in third place.

 

Slugging is more than HR's, it's hitting the ball with enough authority to get extra base hits. This team lacks it.

 

Murton is definitely not a lock for 25 HRs. He might do it, but he's just as likely to hit 10-15. And 25 HR's while not bad, isn't any great shakes either.

 

I like Murton. But the team does need to improve its SLG. We were abysmal in that area this year.

 

To further illustrate, the Cubs were 15 of 16 in the NL in runs scored. While we were dead last in OBP, we were also only 10th in SLG. Improving the OBP is important, but more SLG is needed as well.

 

To look at the three teams you mentioned that do well without SLG; they don't.

 

The Padres are 13th in RS. Their success is not due to their offense. They're winning in spite of it.

 

The Twins are 8th in the AL in RS. The rank 8th in SLG as well. Below average. Once again, the Twin are relying on other areas, and don't have a potent offense.

 

The A's have the same situation. They are only 10th in RS. I'd contend they aren't in the playoffs because of their offense.

 

If the Cubs are going to be a better team, they are going to have to do more than just penciling Theriot and Murton. They need one legitimate bat. If they can acquire Jones for CF, then the Cubs might can make do with Theriot and Murton. If not, one of those will need to be replaced for the Cubs 2007 to matter.

[mg420]

I wouldn't be upset if the Cubs signed Loretta. He's not my first choice and falls into a second tier of guys that I wouldn't mind seeing at second. The Cubs need to add OBP and SLG next year.

 

I'd like to see Soriano signed for second as he is the best power bat available and having him would open up other options in CF. If the Cubs signe a player like Loretta for second, then it is imperative the Cubs either upgrade power in CF or move Murton to get more power in left. I'd like to keep Murton around, so I'd prefer the Cubs get some power at second in addition to OBP, unless a trade for Andruw Jones can be made.

 

why is having alot of power so important? look at oakland, san diego & the twins. none of them have much power at all but they win with good pitching and a balanced line up. when lee, aram & barrett are all back healthy, this team should have enough power to win if they can get good pitching and a solid closer. trading murton would come back to haunt the cubs big time imo.

 

Well, if you read closely, trading Murton is something I'd prefer not to do. That's why I'd like to add power through signing Soriano for secondbase. That way I keep Murton in left and add power at second. My second option would be to pursue a player like Jones for CF. Failing there, I think the Cubs would have to look at LF as a place to have a better bat in the line-up.

 

I think both OBP and SLG are important. As it stands, the Cubs don't have enough of either.

 

and again, i dont think that adding more power is that important. i think a .300 25 hr season is reasonable to expect from murton in 2007. i dont think there is any way they sign soriano to play 2b especially at the $ he will want. i would rather they follow brenly's philosophy of using the young players they have to win rather than getting older overpriced guys like jones & soriano.

 

If we go into next year with the same team and pencil in Theriot and Murton, we will be lucky to finish in third place.

 

Slugging is more than HR's, it's hitting the ball with enough authority to get extra base hits. This team lacks it.

 

Murton is definitely not a lock for 25 HRs. He might do it, but he's just as likely to hit 10-15. And 25 HR's while not bad, isn't any great shakes either.

 

I like Murton. But the team does need to improve its SLG. We were abysmal in that area this year.

you should take a look at who is playing 2b & lf for the twins, padre's & oakland. with good pitching, you only need an average offense to compete. having lee back for a full year alone will improve the offense in a major way.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

To further illustrate, the Cubs were 15 of 16 in the NL in runs scored. While we were dead last in OBP, we were also only 10th in SLG. Improving the OBP is important, but more SLG is needed as well.

 

To look at the three teams you mentioned that do well without SLG; they don't.

 

The Padres are 13th in RS. Their success is not due to their offense. They're winning in spite of it.

 

The Twins are 8th in the AL in RS. The rank 8th in SLG as well. Below average. Once again, the Twin are relying on other areas, and don't have a potent offense.

 

The A's have the same situation. They are only 10th in RS. I'd contend they aren't in the playoffs because of their offense.

 

If the Cubs are going to be a better team, they are going to have to do more than just penciling Theriot and Murton. They need one legitimate bat. If they can acquire Jones for CF, then the Cubs might can make do with Theriot and Murton. If not, one of those will need to be replaced for the Cubs 2007 to matter.

[mg420]

To further illustrate, the Cubs were 15 of 16 in the NL in runs scored. While we were dead last in OBP, we were also only 10th in SLG. Improving the OBP is important, but more SLG is needed as well.

 

To look at the three teams you mentioned that do well without SLG; they don't.

 

The Padres are 13th in RS. Their success is not due to their offense. They're winning in spite of it.

 

The Twins are 8th in the AL in RS. The rank 8th in SLG as well. Below average. Once again, the Twin are relying on other areas, and don't have a potent offense.

 

The A's have the same situation. They are only 10th in RS. I'd contend they aren't in the playoffs because of their offense.

 

If the Cubs are going to be a better team, they are going to have to do more than just penciling Theriot and Murton. They need one legitimate bat. If they can acquire Jones for CF, then the Cubs might can make do with Theriot and Murton. If not, one of those will need to be replaced for the Cubs 2007 to matter.

my point is that teams can get to the playoffs and win despite their offense. if the cubs are going to be a better team it will be because of their starters & bullpen imo.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

To further illustrate, the Cubs were 15 of 16 in the NL in runs scored. While we were dead last in OBP, we were also only 10th in SLG. Improving the OBP is important, but more SLG is needed as well.

 

To look at the three teams you mentioned that do well without SLG; they don't.

 

The Padres are 13th in RS. Their success is not due to their offense. They're winning in spite of it.

 

The Twins are 8th in the AL in RS. The rank 8th in SLG as well. Below average. Once again, the Twin are relying on other areas, and don't have a potent offense.

 

The A's have the same situation. They are only 10th in RS. I'd contend they aren't in the playoffs because of their offense.

 

If the Cubs are going to be a better team, they are going to have to do more than just penciling Theriot and Murton. They need one legitimate bat. If they can acquire Jones for CF, then the Cubs might can make do with Theriot and Murton. If not, one of those will need to be replaced for the Cubs 2007 to matter.

my point is that teams can get to the playoffs and win despite their offense. if the cubs are going to be a better team it will be because of their starters & bullpen imo.

 

Some teams do, some don't. My point is the Cubs should build the best all-around team possible. They shouldn't settle for a middle tier offense because someone else sneaked into the playoffs with one. They should build the best club, with as much offense and pitching as possible. Especially, if they are wielding a 100 million payroll.

 

I've never said they shouldn't improve the pitching; they should. But to get the offense into the 7-5 rank that it should be, it's going to take more OBP and more SLG. We have limited places to acquire that.

 

Ideally it would be at second or centerfield. If not there, the next place to look is left.

[USSoccer]

To further illustrate, the Cubs were 15 of 16 in the NL in runs scored. While we were dead last in OBP, we were also only 10th in SLG. Improving the OBP is important, but more SLG is needed as well.

 

To look at the three teams you mentioned that do well without SLG; they don't.

 

The Padres are 13th in RS. Their success is not due to their offense. They're winning in spite of it.

 

The Twins are 8th in the AL in RS. The rank 8th in SLG as well. Below average. Once again, the Twin are relying on other areas, and don't have a potent offense.

 

The A's have the same situation. They are only 10th in RS. I'd contend they aren't in the playoffs because of their offense.

 

If the Cubs are going to be a better team, they are going to have to do more than just penciling Theriot and Murton. They need one legitimate bat. If they can acquire Jones for CF, then the Cubs might can make do with Theriot and Murton. If not, one of those will need to be replaced for the Cubs 2007 to matter.

my point is that teams can get to the playoffs and win despite their offense. if the cubs are going to be a better team it will be because of their starters & bullpen imo.

 

You can get to the playoffs without having a lot of offense, but it would be much better to build a really balanced team than count on just pitching in order to win a championship.

 

There are 3 moves that, if made, would make this team a playoff contender next season. In order:

 

-Resign Ramirez or make sure he doesn't opt out.

-Sign Soriano.

-Sign Vicente Padilla.

 

Soriano at 2B makes so much sense it's sick. I don't like Soriano's overall game, but he can slug. This team needs more XBH's, and 2B is the logical place to add it. It keeps Murton's OBP in LF, and allows for Izturis's non-offense to bat 8th.

 

Padilla fits because he won't cost a mint like Zito or Schmidt, is a strikeout pitcher, and can be had for a reasonable price.

 

Ramirez coming back should be the #1 Hendry priority this winter. Remove him, and barring an ARod trade we're playing for 2008.

 

Oh, and no to Mark Loretta. No reason to have a backup 2B be anyone other than Theriot.