Our Mark In Pinstripes?

Wow, I never thought, even 3 weeks ago, that there was a chance for Mark Loretta, the clutch player offensively and defensively last year with the Sox, would be going.....over there. I still think that if he came back to play second base, in 2007, back to his home turf, the BOSTON turf, the Red Sox would benefit immensely. I'll comment after this....from the Wednesday NY Times...

"The Yankees’ search for a first baseman has veered from one veteran to another, with a homegrown player and a Rule 5 draft pick mixed in. The latest name to surface is Mark Loretta, a free agent, who spent last season as the second baseman for the Boston Red Sox.
Mark Loretta was an All-Star in 2004 and last season, when he batted .285......
Loretta’s agent, Bob Garber, said yesterday that he had preliminary discussions with the Yankees, who are trying to decide if they want Loretta as a first baseman.
“We’re just feeling each other out at this point,” Garber said. But there seems to be some level of interest on both sides. Loretta, 35, could add a wrinkle to the Yankees’ plans. He can play all the infield positions and could serve as the backup at third, short or second on the days he does not play first base. That would lessen the need to carry another backup infielder, like the unsigned Miguel Cairo. His career on-base percentage is .363, and he is considered a tough out who could move runners along at the bottom of the Yankees’ order."

OK, I have to think in two different ways. As a Yankee fan (a stretch), I would be overjoyed to have Mark Loretta, who can win games with his glove OR his bat singlehandedly. He would make such a great and not prohibitvely expensive perfect option. Can we say "no brainer?"

As a Red Sox fan, who will in this case just be me and my opinon, I know we have a young player, Peds, who is ready to step in at second. But if Mark is there, and we can grab him, well, number one....second base will be in great hands. And number two...the Yankees would just have to offer more money or, ......or........gulp, say the Sox beat us to the punch again. And yes, I know right now the major focus in all our eyes is the closer spot. And it should be. But Theo, I know how I feel.....keep the option open, as well as the rightfield uncertainly which is there...and for good and obvious reasons.

Phew, I'm finished...I guess when I offer my Red Sox visions, more words are involved. But it's vintage Peter, not a copy of part of an article. And I feel strongly on the miriad of ways to improve '07.......Closer...and.....DO NOT get ripped off with JDD.....and the rest will fall in line. Wow...you made it to the end. I almost didn't! Comments would, as always, be so great.