Dodgers agree with IF Loretta

Dec 10, 2008 - 10:45 PM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday agreed to terms with infielder Mark Loretta on a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but MLB.com reported Tuesday that the 13-year veteran and native of Pasadena, California, would receive $1.4 million.

"Any time we can add a player with as much versatility and character as Mark has, it's going to tremendously help the team on the field and in the clubhouse," general manager Ned Colletti said. "We look forward to his bat, glove, and leadership whether he is starting or coming off the bench."

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.