RED SOX LAND LORETTA FOR MIRABELLI
The Boston Red Sox acquired second baseman Mark Loretta from the San Diego Padres for catcher Doug Mirabelli.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
One of Boston's off-season needs was a second baseman and they got that in Loretta. A very strong defensive player, Loretta broke through with a Silver Slugger in 2004. While he won't likely put up the big numbers he did that year, he'll certainly do better than 2005 when he hit just three home runs due in part to a thumb injury.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
Having lost catcher Ramon Hernandez to free agency, the Padres needed to improve their catching depth and Mirabelli gives them one of the best backup catchers around. On top of being a valuable defensive catcher who works well with pitchers, he adds a little pop at the plate. He may even find himself in a platoon if Miguel Olivo or David Ross can't run away with the No. 1 job.
Fantasy impact
