Dodgers agree to terms with IF Loretta

Dec 9, 2008 - 5:06 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with veteran infielder Mark Loretta on a one-year contract.

According to a report on MLB.com, Loretta's signing will become official once he passes a physical. The 13-year veteran reportedly will receive $1.4 million, down from the $2.75 million he made last year.

Loretta, 37, spent last season with the Houston Astros, batting .280 with four homers and 38 RBI in 101 games.

In Los Angeles, Loretta could fill Nomar Garciaparra's utility role or see time at second base.

The oft-injured Garciaparra, who appeared in just 55 games last season, reportedly is contemplating retirement. Blake DeWitt and Jeff Kent split time at second base in 2008.

A two-time All-Star, Loretta is a career .280 hitter in 1,619 games.