I remember when the Red Sox signed Julio Lugo after the 2006 season. It was a move I heartily endorsed. Though he struggled in a brief stint with the Dodgers, Lugo was a decent defensive shortstop with a strong bat and speed on the basepaths for the then Devil Rays. Then, like Edgar Renteria, Lugo seemingly forgot how to be a productive major leaguer once he debuted with the Sox. Today, after two and a half seasons in Boston, Lugo was designated for assignment.
With Mike Lowell returning from the disabled list and a roster opening needed for tonight's starter, Clay Buchholz, the Sox needed to make decisions on two players. Aaron Bates was optioned to Pawtucket. Tomorrow, Buchholz will return to Pawtucket and Boston will activate Jed Lowrie from the DL.
In 2007, his first season with the Sox, Lugo had an atrocious first half, hovering a little below .200. He did hit .280 in the second half, play respectable defense and finish the year with eight home runs, 73 RBI, 36 doubles, 33 stolen bases and a World Series ring. His overall average was .237, but he rebounded to have a productive season because of his post All-Star break performance. Last year, and this season, he was hampered by injuries. Lugo missed a bulk of 2008 with a quadriceps injury, and his range was dramatically diminished this year after returning from knee surgery.
Boston has 10 days to trade or release Lugo, whose $9 million per season deal continues through 2010. Lugo could be sent to Pawtucket if he is not claimed, but chances are he would opt for free agency. Even if Theo Epstein finds a taker for Lugo, John Henry will have to eat a chunk of Lugo's remaining contract. There will likely be little interest for a 33-year-old shortstop with little power, no speed (now that he has knee problems), limited defensive range, an unreliable glove and a throwing arm that consistently uncorks inaccurate throws to first base.
Lugo is easily the worst free agent signing in Epstein's tenure. I imagine that, especially in the midst of a recession, Henry is not too pleased with the inevitability of burning about $13 million on a player who will not wear a Red Sox uniform. Cutting ties with Lugo undoubtedly demonstrates that Henry cares more about winning by putting the best team on the field instead of keeping a player because of his contract length and annual salary. Though Jed Lowrie is not 100 percent after wrist surgery and getting hit on the knee with a pitch in a recent rehab game, the Sox are a better team with the second-year major leaguer and Nick Green sharing shortstop duties.
Notes and observations
- I will be surprised if the Sox do not resign Jason Bay, but it won't happen during the regular season, according to Epstein. Today, Epstein announced that the Sox and Bay will not resume contract talks until the off-season. The Sox want Bay to return. Bay wants to play in Boston. The two sides made progress in the most recent discussions. Chances are, a deal will get done and Bay will be back with the Sox in 2010.
- I knew that my post yesterday entitled, "What is life like inside Pretend Yankees Fantasy Universe World?" would draw laughs from Red Sox fans and cries from Yankees fans, but one thing is certain - Yankees fans lack a sense of humor. Perhaps people are not accustomed to seeing my name attached to a humor-oriented column since I primarily write serious baseball commentary and opinion pieces. However, I have periodically written tongue-in-cheek posts meant to generate a laugh or two, and most times those posts have made fun of the Yankees and their fans. I guess Yankees fans still haven't learned to laugh at their plight of no longer sitting on the Major League Baseball throne high atop every other ballclub. Get used to it, Yankees fans. There will be fewer World Series titles to celebrate (Make that fewer playoff appearances to celebrate) and more jokes at your expense from Red Sox fans now that - to use a tired sports cliche - the playing field has leveled. Take a deep breathe. Smile. Laugh. Try it. Now doesn't that feel good? Life is more enjoyable when you don't take yourself seriously all of the time.
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