The Red Sox signed Julio Lugo prior to the 2007 season mostly out of necessity. Sure, Theo Epstein long favored Lugo at an eventual replacement at shortstop when he hit free agency following decent years in a Rays uniform, and since the complete black hole of a bat Alex Gonzalez provided would not be sufficient in the long term, Epstein needed a shortstop and handed Lugo a contract Theo and Red Sox fans deeply regret. While his defense improved in 2007, it has greatly depreciated this season, and while the hitting aspect of Lugo
