Mark Loretta

Loretta hit .280 with four homers, 15 doubles and 38 RBI while playing all four infield positions in 2008. His value comes mainly from his defensive versatility, which he provides without being a liability at the plate. He consistently draws interest from other teams as he’s a veteran with a proven track record, and his ability to play across the infield is always in demand. As far as fantasy goes, he leaves plenty to be desired -- even as an everyday player -- but he could stick in NL-only leagues if he were a starter. On most clubs, he’s likely a utility infielder and should be avoided on draft day.

Loretta provided the Astros exactly what they had hoped he would when they signed him in the offseason. He hit .287 with 23 doubles while playing all four infield positions and logging the fourth most at-bats on the team, behind just Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman and Craig Biggio. Loretta re-signed a one-year deal with the Astros and will serve as the team's primary reserve at all four infield spots in 2008.

Loretta has long been one of the more underrated second basemen in baseball, playing every day, batting around .300, and getting on base with regularity. He has never hit for much power or stolen many bases, but he reaches base and scores runs. Last year was no different. He'll be used in a utility role after signing with the Astros in the offseason, but could challenge for the third base job if Morgan Ensberg struggles.

Loretta continues to be a more productive player in real baseball terms than in fantasy. His high OBP is great for a leadoff hitter, but he never learned to steal bases. He does bring good hitting skills to the table, however, combining decent plate discipline with a fair amount of pop for a middle infielder. He missed nearly two months of the season with a torn ligament in his thumb, but returned healthy and should start for the Red Sox after an offseason trade.

Following in the footsteps of many journeyman middle infielders such as Mike Bordick and Jay Bell, Loretta found his stroke late in life and posted career totals across the board in 2004 including a third-in-league .335 batting average, a .495 slugging percentage and a Padres record 108 runs scored. While it's a terrific feat, you should be wary coming into this season. A 33-year-old is a dinosaur at the position that has the quickest mortality rate. A fade or injury is more likely than a complete fall off so don't be caught unaware.

The infielder turned a career-year into a two-year contract with the Padres, ending with an option in 2006. He posted highlight marks in most of the important hitting categories in 2003, which included 14 home runs, a significant spike considering he had a total of 31 in the seven years prior. Some would raise a skeptical eyebrow at these numbers and comment about a career year, where others would point to older infielders like Mike Bordick, and make remarks about light-hitting infielders gaining wisdom and strength at the plate as they reach a mature age. He'll start for the Padres at second base in 2004 and should hit second in the most powerful batting order of his eight-year career.

Loretta has a pretty decent chance of winning the starting second base job in San Diego. Outside of a decent batting average, he offers little to the fantasy owner.