Dodgers re-sign Blake, add Loretta

December 9, 4:07 PMLos Angeles Dodgers ExaminerAlex Herbach

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The first major announcement at the winter meetings belonged to Dodger Greg Maddux, who officially announced his retirement. Turns out the first major signings also belong to L.A. 

Casey Blake, whom the Dodgers acquired from Cleveland in a trade deadline deal last season, has been reportedly re-signed to a three-year deal worth more than $17 million. The Dodgers also picked up two-time All-Star Mark Loretta from the Astros, signing him to a one-year $1.25 million deal. Loretta will likely be the primary back-up and can play four infield positions.

The signings help solve the Dodgers' problems on the infield. With Blake remaining at third base, Blake Dewitt can now slide over to second base, where his bat can be more appropriately used. After the Giants' signing of Edgar Renteria, it is unlikely the Dodgers will land a free agent to replace departing shortstop Rafael Furcal. This means that Angel Berroa will likely take over the position, where he played considerable time in the second half of last season, and possibly platoon with Tony Abreu.