Hot stove burnings!

'Sin City', NV

In Monday morning reports by Ken Gurnick of MLB.com it appears the Dodgers have penned a deal with 13 year veteran Mark Loretta. The utility infielder will sign a one year deal pending a physical on Tuesday to make things official. This sure comes on the heels of not knowing whether or not Nomar Garciaparra will return for one more year or retire due to his nagging injuries. The two-time all-star Loretta, will earn 1.4 million in 2009 after receiving 2.75 mil. last season with the Houston Astros. At 37, he hit .280 in 261 plate appearances for the 'Stros, going .330 against southpaw pitchers. He played all four infield positions in Houston; 46 games at second, 17 at third, 5 at SS, and 2 games at first base. The Santa Monica native, attended Michael Wilbon's alma mater, Northwestern, before being drafted by the Brewers in the 7th round of the 1993 draft. Also of note, he pitched a scoreless eight inning for the Brewers in 2001, striking out 2, giving up a walk and a hit. He had volunteered for Manager Davey Lopes, who needed help to save a much depleted bullpen. In 2004 he won the NL Silver Slugger award.

C.C. Sabathia, in the whisper heard 'round the world, told GM Ned Colletti he wants to be a Dodger. Sunday night, in a chance encounter, the two met after Sabathia was to meet with the Yankees brass. New York has already offered the top free agent pitcher a 6 year deal worth $140 million. C.C. has sat on that deal for about three weeks now. Colletti did say it was a 'possibility' that the Dodgers would get in the mix for the high priced pitcher. Colletti said he must "be wary if you believe something is not going to happen so you build the club accordingly because something can happen." when asked about Sabathia. Stating this because even a short term commitment to C.C. would "change the dynamic of the club". This was reported on the Dodgers team website late Sunday evening.

Los Angeles might have just shored up their hot corner, inking Casey Blake to a new deal. In various reports, including the LA Daily News, Blake is to sign for three years at about $17 million. Blake, 35,  who declined arbitration by the team Sunday night, was acquired by the team July 26th. He came in a deal from the Clevland Indians for minor league players Carlos Santana and John Meloan. Santana is not the Grammy Award winning, Mexican Rock guitarist you're thinking of. Blake hit .251 with 10 homers and 23 RBI's down the stretch for Los Angeles. His veteran presence and ability to solidify the infield are both good things for a young Dodgers organization. I recall him saying he really felt like a part of the team after we lost 8 games in row before coming back and winning the next 8.