Farewell Lugo
Julio Lugo is just awful right now. Let's see, the Red Sox as a team have committed 21 errors as a team. Lugo has 11, that's more than half. Lugo was never considered an elite SS, but he was considered at worst average.
Theo Epstein got himself into this mess signing Lugo to a 4 year, $36mm deal. Lugo's Red Sox career has been bad, and that's being generous. So what can the Red Sox do about it? With 2+ years left on his deal, benching Lugo seems a bit silly but trading him also seems silly as the Red Sox would likely have to pick up a big part of his deal (baring receiving an equally bad contract in return).
If they do sit him down, I suppose Alex Cora (due back Sunday) could play each day or at least be put into a platoon situation.
If I'm Epstein, I find a way to cut this guy loose ASAP. Trade him or bench him, but just don't keep him out there. Jed Lowrie has proven that at worst he is an equal swap and by giving him the job, the Red Sox get to see another component of their future. If Lowrie stumbles, Cora can lend a hand.
I think the most telling thing about Lugo and his inability to fit in here is this quote after Thursday's game given to the Herald's Steve Buckley:
“I don’t care, but sometimes it would be nice to say something positive,” he said. “But all the time it’s negative things, you know? Sometimes, you know, people should say something that’s positive. But every time it’s something negative . . . bring it up, bring it up, bring it up. Why?
“I understand you (the media) are going to write whatever you want . . . but I come here every day and bust my ass . . . if things don’t work out sometimes, that’s the way it’s going to be. You understand? But sometimes you bring up the same things . . . You get tired of that.”
This is what Red Sox players have to prepare themselves for mentally. Those that can handle it excel, those that cannot are, well, Edgar Renteria. Take your game somewhere else Julio. If you want to play to empty stands and non-caring fans, go to Florida (14,980 fans a game).
No matter Lugo's capabilities, it's time for Boston to move on and find someone who can handle playing in Boston.
Comments
they would not have a World Series from last year if they had kept the SS of the future, Hanley Ramirez, but they dealt him for a good 3b option and a stud pitcher and a world series title.
At least Lugo gets on base this year (so far).
It could be worse...just give me time to think how
Posted by: blmeanie
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May 10, 2008 06:26 PM
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blmeanie, not doubt had they kept Ramirez, things might have been different. Then again, we'd be watching a .330 avg, 30 HR, 50 SB SS right now.
But they could have signed a different SS than Lugo. Almost anyone at this point would have been an equal or better. Lugo has hit this year, but that hitting is wiped out by his fielding.
Posted by: andy
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May 10, 2008 08:03 PM
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