Interesting Potential Trade

From today's Boston Globe:

The Padres, according to an industry source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, are now offering second baseman Mark Loretta to the Red Sox and are asking for Wells and catcher Doug Mirabelli, who could get a chance to play every day for the Padres.

I really like Loretta but he is 34 and coming off an injury plagued season. I think the original reported trade for Wells of Dave Roberts, and reliever Akinori Otsuka would be better for the Sox.

Why would the Sox trade for Loretta when they can sign Tony Graffanino for much less money and have top prospect Dustin Pedroia waiting in the wings? The only way I'd like this trade is if the Sox were immediately able to spin Loretta to another club - like the Nationals for Brad Wilkerson.

You also have to think that the Sox have talked to the Diamondbacks about a David Wells for Javier Vazquez swap. Arizona has new ownership and a new GM so the old stab in the back by Wells may be forgotten. The D-Backs would get a decent pitcher and a substantial payroll reduction without trading one of their big bats.

As far as Mirabelli - he's too valuable as a back-up and Tim Wakefield's personal caddy to trade. I always thought San Diego would be Kelly Stoppach's trade destination from the Red Sox.