Yanks Close to Inking Loretta?

The Denver Post reports that the Yankees might be nearing a deal with Mark Loretta. Buster Olney also reported this on Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio.

O’Dowd is trolling for a veteran second baseman to create competition for as many as six internal candidates. The Rockies contacted the agent for Loretta, who tore up the National League West while with the San Diego Padres. However, the Rockies don’t like their chances, believing he will end up with the Yankees. While that deal is close, Loretta has made it known how much he likes the Rockies and would prefer to see how their second base situation plays out before signing with the Yankees.

Loretta is a solid player.  He does not have much power but does have good on base skills. He certainly would be an above average bench player. It is not really clear, though, where he would fit on this team as currently constructed. The Yanks seem set with their lineup and bench.

If New York signs the veteran infielder, it would be an indication that a Johan Santana deal is nearing. The Twins might get Wilson Betemit as filler, creating the need for a new utility infielder.  It also might mean that the Yankees are going to use Robinson Cano as the centerpiece of a Santana trade. That would be vastly preferable to a trade with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain going to Minnesota. Either starter could equal Santana’s performance in the not too distant future. It would likely be a lateral deal. Cano would be difficult to give up, but the Yanks have plenty of hitting. The Red Sox recently traded an emerging middle infielder, Hanley Ramirez, for an ace, Josh Beckett. That deal helped them win the World Series that year. Aces are tougher to find than hitters.

Loretta fields his position well. He would be the righty half of a formidable platoon with Betemit if Cano heads to the Midwest.