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Reputation:87
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 10, 2008
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I know he played well today, but we're better with him on the bench and it seems like there is some serious thought in benching lugo.
see attached...
Posted: Monday April 21, 2008 07:06AM ET
The Red Sox are so frustrated with the way shortstop Julio Lugo has played so far this year that they will consider giving some playing time at shortstop to prospect Jed Lowrie if it continues. Lowrie is currently in the majors because third baseman Mike Lowell is on the DL, but could get some time at short if he shows anything while he's up.
Newark Star-Ledger
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 28, 2006
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Too early for an all-out benching of Lugo. Francona needs to split the SS time between the two, when Lowell returns. Lowrie needs to be brought along slowly; and if Lugo starts sitting 4 out of 5 games, there's no bringing him back as any sort of productive starter, if Lowrie falters.
And I don't think splitting time at SS is the same as a benching, as the Star-Ledger claims. I wonder about a Newark paper's insight into the workings of the Red Sox. Do they even know that the Sox are terribly dissatisfied with Lugo? It seems like Lowrie's abilities would have as much to do with any Sox SS indecision, as Lugo's performance. He's hitting much better than last April.
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Reputation:85
Level:All-Star
Since:Jun 20, 2007
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Yeah, right. Waste the talent and the money. I'll give you credit, though, for at least kicking the guy when he's up.
Lugo was a good shortstop at Tampa Bay, had a down offensive year last year, but improved defensively. The defense got better because he changed his throwing mechanics. He's had a little trouble with that this year, but has shown that with the proper footwork, he can shed the issues that plagued him earlier in his career. He's looked much better over the last week, including a couple of throws from deep in the hole last night. Even Mike Lowell had a period early last year where his glove seemed to be made of stone.
Lugo's offense looks like what he used to do - he seems to not be pressing as much, probably because he's getting used to the Boston pressure cooker. He probably won't hold up at his current .324 (that would be a career year), but the guy should be a solid .280 and a threat on the bases.
Lowrie looks like he could be the shortstop of the future, but you need to give the kid time to grow into it. Lugo is the shortstop of now, and a proven major leaguer. A year from now, or two, and the equation might shift. This year, let the salary investment earn some returns.
BTW, why does this show up in a New Jersey blog? Is Graziano some kind of Sox expert? No peep of disatisfaction seems to be coming through the Boston media, who are demonstrably not shy about printing/posting rumors of this type. Maybe Graz is a Yankees fan trying to stir things up.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 9, 2006
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I think they should bench Lugo for a few games. Give Jed Lowrie a chance to show his stuff, maybe compete for the starting job with Lugo. It could give Lugo a rest and help him concentrate a little more on his defense, the offense will come with time.
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 6, 2008
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I think its a great idea to bench Lugo. Lowrie will get more playing time and give some competition for Lugo. In time Lowrie will be the starting shortstop for the Red Sox. Lugo just needs to work more on defense. Lowrie will show his stuff and in my opinion will stay at short until Lugo knows what hes doing wrong and can work on it.
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Reputation:80
Level:All-Star
Since:May 23, 2007
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Are you really arguing that Lugo was good in Tampa? Playing on Turf? With no pressure on him? In meaningless games???
You must have missed his stint in LA?
You must have missed that most baseball scouts and personel didn't think much of him? Other than Theo, who seems to be in love with the thought of 40 errors from the key shortstop position.
I am as big a Red Sox fan as there is...... But I am not blinded by my love of the team to see that the guy can't play ( atleast not up to the salary and expectations for which he was brought here).
Cora is a far supirior option to Lugo, and he is a smarter player.
Common people......Use your heads!
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:May 17, 2008
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Lugo currently leads the majors with 12 Errors. The next closest player (and SS for that matter) is Reyes with 8. He's about as far from clutch as you can get at the moment as well. That said, he is currently batting .279, which is about a 15% increase from where he was at the end of last season.
Though, for over 9mill a year, I'd expect at least one of those numbers to be better. Should he be benched? Sure, if you have someone better to stick in that spot. I've felt from day 1 that he was the hole in the line-up this year, but I'd prefer to plug the leak in the middle innings as far as pitching goes before the SS is paid attention to.
Though, I still think Crisp for a nice SS and another decent arm in the bullpen is the way to go, but I digress...
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Reputation:80
Level:All-Star
Since:May 23, 2007
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I couldn't agree more. I think I wrote that same comment a month ago. But I would throw Lugo in as well to see if the can force the team that wants Crisp to take the Salary. Similar to what the Marlins did to Boston in the Becket/Lowell - Ramirez trade. That worked out for BOTH teams.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:May 17, 2008
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Exactly what I was thinking, actually. I was debating making a second post to clarify my point, but where I'm still new to the boards I didn't know if replying to myself for that reason was considered "proper".
Regardless, the outfield is set, with plenty of big bats and good players ready to break out just as Manny will be beginning to fade. It's time to beef up the pen, then focus on SS, which has given this teem problems since Nomar got hurt years ago.
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