Comments on: Could Julio Lugo be 2009’s Coco Crisp?

By: Gerry

Gerry — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:07:23 +0000

Alex, we won’t know if he can make it in the majors unless and until he is given a good shot. His 8 AB at the start of the 2008 season isn’t even a sip of coffee, just barely a sniff. IMO, his earlier experience with other teams do not apply, otherwise I would agree with you, as this late bloomer just wasn’t ready previously. He has arrived, and needs to get a good look.

By: M.A.G

M.A.G — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:45:49 +0000

Lugo is no Coco. Lugo is not only an awefull hitter, he is a bad defender too. Coco’s glove was excellent, and that fact alone put him head and shoulders above Lugo.
We need to trade Lugo for anything. Ideally I would like to see him as a minor chip in some package for our next catcher. But the truth is his trade value is next to nothing. So, probably the most realistic scenario is the swap of Lugo for Willis that has been reported.

By: Sean O

Sean O — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:53:29 +0000

Lugo suuuuuuuuuucks

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:03:59 +0000

I’m not sure Cora is ready to be a coach just yet as he probably has one or two more years left in him. I would re-sign him to a one year contract with no options because having to decline an option on the red sox part could turn him off to returning as a coach. In my opinion Thurston is one of those players who is taylor made for the Japanese league. He’s an all-star, MVP, gold glover, Mr. Universe in the minors but can’t cut it in the majors. He would make a ton of money if he made the move to Japan. Kevin Millar was originally going to Japan before he signed with the red sox and when he signed the contract he gave up about $10 million extra dollars the japanese team would have paid him.

By: Evan

Evan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:28:46 +0000

I think that the downgrade from Crisp to a different option was appreciably larger than the downgrade (if you can call it that) from Lugo to another infielder.
That said, it’s a very valid point.
I still think we should assume most, if not all, of his salary, dump him for a prospect that has an outside shot at being something and bring in a utility guy.

By: Colin

Colin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:16:40 +0000

Lugo got his ring and his fun times. He can move on to greener pastures…
I gave Drew and chance and he came through. I did the same for Lugo and was consistently disappointed.
Where’s radiohix when you need him?

By: bob

bob — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:53:11 +0000

I understand the logic, but I think there are better options. Crisp was bad, but never as brutal as Lugo has been, everyone knew this signing was a mistake except apparently Theo, who for whatever reason always had a hard-on for Lugo (Remember ‘05 when he almost traded Manny and Lugo was one of the pieces in the deal, or ‘06 when he again tried to get Lugo before he went to LA). This just isn’t going to happen and it might be worth it to see if someone else’s garbage can make a contribution. I also agree with Gerry that Thurston could probably contribute off the bench, he certainly couldn’t be much worse than Lugo.

By: B

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:22:58 +0000

Intersting article. Gerry all your points are excellent. I watched poor Joe get booed at Fenway but I think he was in for Manny. He has put up solid number down in Pawtucket and seems to have found his stride. I’m actually surprised not to hear his name in rumored in trade talks.
I’d love to see AC get a shot to break into coaching here in Boston. He’s a class act. I wonder if he’s ready to give up the spikes yet though? But if the Sox offered he may be intrigued.
As far as Lugo/Willis. I think if they both had good turnaround years Willis, as a starting pitcher, might have more value.
I’ve read the Tigers are looking at Jack Wilson for SS. I guess that would put an end to the Willis talk. Then we might get to watch Lugo try to follow in Coco’s footsteps as Tim suggests.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:07:31 +0000

Good point, timely made. I would rather Julio than Willis. His speed as a pinch runner could also be a factor in winning games next year.
I would rather Alex than Julio IN THIS ROLE, as Alex has been acknowledged by Dustin and Jed as a good mentor; and Alex hit OK, with a good OBP.
On the other hand, I believe the role should be filled by Joe Thurston, who is finally MLB ready, he is versatile and can play IF/OF at or beyond the defensive level of Alex, but with nearly Julio’s speed, has emerged as an excellent hitter, and is a team sparkplug and 2008 PawSox MVP. I would ask Alex to coach 1st base in 2009, as he projects to be a fine coach/manager, and tutor Dustin, Jed and Joe.