Julio Lugo Rumors

Red Sox Rumors: Lugo, Varitek

According to Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald, the Tigers' talks for Julio Lugo have stalled and a deal is unlikely. It seemed simple on the surface: Lugo for Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson. Also, the Red Sox plan to offer arbitration to Type A free agent Jason Varitek. McAdam says Tek "almost certainly won't accept the offer." In a recent poll, about 40% of MLBTR readers surveyed expected the Red Sox to offer arbitration to Varitek.   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Teixeira, Ramirez, Baldelli, Furcal

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo has a new article up with a few Red Sox rumors, and one for Oakland: Cafardo thinks Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez will not change jerseys this offseason because, while their teams might struggle to afford them, they can't afford to lose them. Teixeira is the protection and future replacement for Vladimir Guerrero that they have been seeking for a long time. He doesn't rule out the Yankees however. Rocco Baldelli could be Coco Crisp's replacement as Boston's fourth outfielder. Cafardo says Baldelli met with the Red Sox last week. He continues to hit on...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Lowe, Teixeira, Guillen

SI.com's Jon Heyman recently published several new blog posts. Free agent outfielder Garret Anderson has a new agent: Scott Boras. Click here for our full list of Boras clients. Rangers starters Vicente Padilla and Kevin Millwood are drawing interest from the Braves, Dodgers, and Mets. Padilla is owed $12MM in 2009 with a 2010 option for the same ($1.75MM buyout). Millwood gets $23MM over the next two seasons and has a limited no-trade clause. Heyman says rather than battle for A.J. Burnett, the Red Sox and Yankees may duke it out for Derek Lowe. Other suitors for Lowe: the Mets,...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Lugo For Dontrelle?

MONDAY: Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski is casting a wide net for his shortstop vacancy, but no deals are close. SUNDAY: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports on a trade that seems too obvious to actually happen: the Tigers are "contemplating a deal with Boston to send either Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis for Julio Lugo, but some money issues must be resolved. In the same article, he mentions Lugo had the lowest average with runners in scoring position in the majors, .139, and wishes him a happy 33rd birthday. Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press had speculated...   Continue Reading

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Miller's Latest: Olsen, Willis, Blake

Here's a look at the latest from Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. The Braves and Rangers have talked to the Marlins about lefty Scott Olsen. The Red Sox have done background work on Dontrelle Willis, stirring up the Willis for Julio Lugo rumors. The Twins, Dodgers, and Indians have expressed interest in Casey Blake. Blake's agent said he anticipates offers ranging from one to three years.   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Crisp, Lugo, Burnett, Baldelli

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has the latest on the Red Sox. GM Theo Epstein says there's one deal he might be able to do before the winter meetings, possibly involving Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo. The free agent market for center fielders and shortstops is weak this year. Cafardo doesn't believe the Sox are in on C.C. Sabathia or A.J. Burnett, and he says they're unsure about Derek Lowe. However, Buster Olney says "there is an expectation within other quarters of the AL East that the Red Sox will get in on the Burnett bidding." Cafardo does see...   Continue Reading

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Tigers Rumors: Pudge, Varitek, Lugo, Thames

Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press doles out the latest Tigers rumors. How will the Tigers resolve their catching situation? GM Dave Dombrowski calls an Ivan Rodriguez reunion a longshot, and Scott Boras is asking the moon for Jason Varitek. The Tigers may not have the goods to swing a trade for Gerald Laird. Morosi likes the idea of Henry Blanco, but says the Tigers have yet to contact his agent. Check out the other free agent options here. Morosi considers a bad contract swap for Julio Lugo a viable option for the Tigers. He notes that Dontrelle...   Continue Reading

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Latest Red Sox Rumors

A few notes on the Red Sox... From Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe Scott Boras met with Theo Epstein about Jason Varitek. Boras is still seeking a deal similar to the one signed by Jorge Posada (four years/$52.4MM). Epstein continues to look at other catchers including Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden. Cafardo also notes that the Red Sox could go after a veteran through the trade market like Bengie Molina. Other teams have expressed interest in both Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo, but noted that Lugo would not be part of a deal to the White Sox. Cafardo says...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Bay, Tazawa, Kawakami, Lugo

Collecting today's Red Sox rumors and links... Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox did not meet with C.C. Sabathia's agent and he doesn't appear to be in their plans. The Sox are eyeing southpaw reliever Billy Traber, according to WEEI's Alex Speier. Scott Boras believes Derek Lowe would be a good fit in Boston or New York. Nick Cafardo says Lowe would like to return to Boston, maybe even at a slight discount. Jason Bay's agents say he's loving Boston and is open to a contract extension. When asked about the possibility of Manny Ramirez signing with the Yankees, Red...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Review

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke to the press yesterday, resulting in a slew of articles in the Boston papers. Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe runs through the team's entire 25-man roster. Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald looks at Epstein's to-do list, as does Joe McDonald of The Providence Journal. Paul Kenyon of the Journal looks at the team's minor free agents. An overview of various common topics: Jason Varitek. Silverman sees an effort to re-sign him for one or two years, while McDonald thinks he will look for three or four. Massarotti thinks things could get nasty...   Continue Reading

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Dontrelle For Lugo?

The Tigers 2009 season is going to be reliant on some bounce back candidates to do just that. According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers will need to guess which of Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis, and Nate Robertson will bounce back. And aside from Verlander, they will more than likely want to deal one of them to scale back an already unsustainable projected team salary of $130MM. Some speculation by Morosi: The Tigers need a shortstop and could swap Dontrelle Willis for Boston's Julio Lugo. Both guys are signed through 2010, Willis making $22MM and Lugo making $18MM....   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Reds, Dempster, Silva, Lugo

John Perrotto's Every Given Sunday column is up over at Baseball Prospectus. For those without a BP subscription, here's the highlights: Perrotto believes that Reds owner Bob Castellini will give Walt Jocketty the go-ahead to dive into the free agent market this season in an attempt to contend in 2009. The Reds like their young core, and feel a solid bat or two can help them contend in NL Central immediately. Jed Lowrie's play since taking over for the injured Julio Lugo has convinced the Red Sox that he can be the everyday shortstop. They'll look to move Lugo (and...   Continue Reading

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Gammons Chat: Lucchino, Lugo, Manny

The Boston Globe has a Peter Gammons chat transcript up on its blog. Let's take a look at his nuggets of rumor wisdom. Gammons heard from someone close to Larry Lucchino that the Red Sox would not let him leave. The Red Sox could try to unload Julio Lugo in the offseason, or convince him to accept a super-utility role. Gammons says neither Hank Steinbrenner nor Brian Cashman have any interest in Manny Ramirez as a winter signing. He expects the Yankees to chase C.C. Sabathia. Manny apparently wants four years and $100MM, but Gammons expects something more in the...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Sexson, Ibanez, Ortiz

Buster Olney's blog post is overloaded with rumors today. Here's a rundown: Olney's Speculation: Will the Red Sox will express interest in Khalil Greene with Julio Lugo on the DL for 4-6 weeks? Olney also wonders if the Dodgers will seek Huston Street if Takashi Saito is seriously hurt. Scout Speculation: Huston Street and Matt Murton to the Rays for prospects? Bobby Kielty was granted release by the Red Sox. Richie Sexson could decide where to go based on greatest offered playing time. I'd say that's expected for a veteran starter. Olney says that requests for Max Scherzer are keeping...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Trade Wish List

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Herald takes a look at Boston's wish list, some of which could be fulfilled via trade this month. The Red Sox are still looking for an heir to Jason Varitek's throne. Apparently the Sox have inquired about catching prospects. The Rangers are considered to have the game's largest surplus at the position. Julio Lugo is signed through 2010, but the Red Sox are looking for a better long-term option at short. Massarotti doesn't mention how Jed Lowrie fits into the plan. Massarotti says the Red Sox are "closely monitoring" Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira. Their...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Boston Could Use Vizquel

Last week I heard Peter Gammons on ESPN radio discussing Omar Vizquel as a possible replacement candidate for the struggling Julio Lugo. In today's Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo chimes in: "Vizquel is quite fond of Boston but would be interested only if he were a starter. He has a close relationship with Manny Ramírez from their Cleveland days. Vizquel still has a terrific glove and can hit." Lugo - who is just returning from a mild concussion - finds himself batting .284 but with a .331 OBP and only 7 extra base hits, all doubles. He has a major league...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lugo, Murton, Scherzer

A handful of random links... Josh Kalk did a guest post at RotoAuthority, using PITCHf/x data to analyze C.C. Sabathia's early struggles. Nick Cafardo comments on Julio Lugo's unimpressive Red Sox career, noting that Jed Lowrie is nipping at his heels. Is there any chance the Sox consider guys like Orlando Cabrera or Rafael Furcal this winter? Christina Kahrl believes leaving Matt Murton in Triple A was the right move. White Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley explains that real baseball is different from fantasy baseball. The Scherzer Watch begins, especially for fantasy leaguers. Joe Sports Fan offers their list of...   Continue Reading

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Crisp/Lugo For Cabrera Speculation

Been getting this Phil Rogers blog post emailed to me quite a bit lately. In it he speculates that the White Sox could send Orlando Cabrera to the Red Sox for Julio Lugo and Coco Crisp. Or, they could send Cabrera to the Cubs for prospects. Third, he suggests the Sox could sign Cabrera for around four years and $50MM, the offer they made to Kosuke Fukudome. Nothing wrong with the speculation, Phil is just spitballing here it seems. However, this talk gets passed around a couple of times, people don't actually read what Phil wrote, and then people start..   Continue Reading

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Eckstein seeking Lugo-esque deal

If Julio Lugo was able to snag four years and $36 million last off-season, well, by golly, David Eckstein wants to do the same this year. You can make some arguments with the comparison - Lugo is a year younger, flashes a bit more power, and has been more consistent in his production (from year-to-year; we're not counting his huge drop-off after being traded to the Dodgers last year). But it's tough to argue with Eckstein for wanting to start talks at that level. This may deter Eckstein's perceived No. 1 suitor, the New York Mets, who are looking at..   Continue Reading

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Buehrle Cleans Out Locker

And in other news, I tidied up my desk today. Mark Buehrle's housecleaning, however, is just barely newsworthy. It could be a sign that a deal is impending, or it could just be plain old cleaning. I can speak from experience: I only cleaned out my high school locker when school was out for summer. And I found an old sandwich. Just saying. Ken Rosenthal mentioned today that various execs still expect Buehrle to be traded. The Dodgers, Mets, and Mariners seem to be the top contenders. Buehrle, for his part, is as sick of the constant rumors as you..   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Sign Julio Lugo

Busy day for the Red Sox - they signed shortstop Julio Lugo for four years and $36MM today. Lugo was the only decent shortstop on the free agent market from the start. Perhaps he will bat leadoff for the Sox - fantasy leaguers take note. Lugo posted a .373 OBP for the Devil Rays last year and a .362 mark in 2005. He also showed surprising power by slugging .498 for Tampa Bay. He tanked in 49 games as a Dodger, which may have driven down his market price slightly   Continue Reading

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Early Evening Rumors

Rosenthal has dollar amounts for the Greg Maddux deal: the Padres will pay him $10M in 2007, with a player option for 2008. The option starts at $6M, but if Maddux reaches various plateaus, the option could increase in value to another $10M. The Arlington Daily-Herald speculates that a Kevin Mench for Jon Lieber deal could be evened out by the Brewers sending along Jose Capellan. Capellan hasn't lived up to his potential yet, but he's still young enough that he could develop into a top-tier setup man. I'd be very surprised (not to mention disappointed) if Doug Melvin made..   Continue Reading

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Crasnick: Cubs Make Offer To Lugo

A rumor from yesterday that I neglected to mention: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that the Cubs have made Julio Lugo a multi-year offer. We all know how Lou Piniella loves Lugo, and that he'd be willing to play center field now that the market for shortstops is shrinking. Today's Chicago newspapers - the Tribune, Sun-Times, Daily Herald, and Southtown - made no mention of an offer to Lugo   Continue Reading

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Cardinals Tidbits

Several good items from Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Scott Spiezio is resigned to a 2-year deal. Jocketty's focus seems to be on pitching at the moment: talking about Vincente Padilla, Adam Eaton, and Kip Wells, and trying to bring Jeff Weaver back. Also looking for a Mark Mulder-like rotation filler-a nice thought, but I would think that a pre-FA starter would be incredibly pricey in this market. Luis Gonzalez and Julio Lugo are unlikely. By Jeff Sackman   Continue Reading

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Lugo A Center Field Option?

For teams looking for a player via free agency who can serve as both a center fielder and leadoff man, there are four options. You can sign Kenny Lofton, Gary Matthews Jr., Juan Pierre, or Dave Roberts. But if you're not into aging speedsters, the OBP/defense-challenged, or the guy coming off a career year, you can get a little creative. Aside from a huge commitment to J.D. Drew, who might or might not hold up in center field, you could ask Julio Lugo to be your center fielder. That's an option the Cubs are considering if they fail to sign..   Continue Reading

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Julio Lugo Considering Mets

Word comes today from the New York Post that free agent infielder Julio Lugo grew up a Mets fan and will "definitely" consider the club if they're interested. He's open to second base or shortstop for his new team. Last year, Lugo's age 29 season, looked like a career year for the shortstop. He hit .295/.362/.403 and was the fifth best shortstop in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus. This season, in an injury-shortened 72 games with the Devil Rays, Lugo hit .308/.373/.498. All three marks are career bests. At the trading deadline, the Dodgers sent promising young prosect Joel Guzman..   Continue Reading

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Julio Lugo Traded To Dodgers

Word comes via ESPN that the Dodgers have acquired Julio Lugo for Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza. I definitely didn't see this one coming. Jeff Kent should begin swinging a bat right around now after hitting the DL with an oblique strain on July 18th. The Lugo acquisition gives the Dodgers excellent depth in their infield. Former second base fill-ins Willy Aybar and Cesar Izturis have been sent out in other, solid deals. Once Kent is 100% and ready to play Wilson Betemit becomes an excellent bench player for the rest of the year. He'd still remain the second baseman..   Continue Reading

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McAdam: Red Sox Discussing Extension With Lugo

Via RotoWorld: "The Providence Journal's Sean McAdam said on WEEI radio that the Red Sox have been in contact with Julio Lugo's agents to discuss a contract extension." Nothing on this from the Boston Globe guys just yet. The D-Rays are going to have to scramble if they want to get something better than a couple of compensation draft picks for Lugo. One hour left   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Trade Rumors

It's tough to get anything out of Boston these days; Theo Epstein has plugged all of his leaks. Let's see what we can piece together though. According to Sean McAdams of The Providence Journal: "Friends of the Rocket insist he's sorry that he chose the Astros over the Red Sox." McAdams mentions that Clemens would love a trade to Boston if it could be done without infuriating the Houston fanbase. Also, a source of mine tells me that the Mets have inquired about Clemens. Then there's the possible three-way trade with the Rockies and Padres. The Padres would get Mike..   Continue Reading

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Carroll: Final Offers Made On Tejada

In his the latest Will's Mill, Will Carroll indicates that the Astros and Angels have put in their final bids for Miguel Tejada. He also mentions that the Astros may turn to Julio Lugo if they can't get Tejada. In that case they'd have to compete with the Blue Jays. Lugo was released by the Astros in 2003 by Gerry Hunsicker. Chuck LaMar was a bad GM, but you have to give him credit for the Lugo signing and the Kazmir deal. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while, right? Carroll also tells us that not..   Continue Reading

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Trade Rumor Roundup: 8 Days Left

To begin with, this just isn't true. With the Kearns deal and probably Soriano trade, the 2006 deadline just can't be classified as a dud. That honor belongs to 2005 for sure. The trading action never matches the buildup, but this year's still a good one. Read Ken Rosenthal's latest. The White Sox are in the Soriano game, the Rangers have interest in Luis Gonzalez, the Braves could add another reliever, Julio Lugo still might become a Blue Jay, and the Brewers look like sellers. In my opinion, some Brewers besides Carlos Lee that could be unloaded: Geoff Jenkins, Corey..   Continue Reading

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Trade Rumor Roundup: 10 Days Left

Couple of fresh rumors surrounding the Padres' third base vacancy, and I'm proud to say that MLBTradeRumors was able to deduce these in advance. A week ago I compiled a spreadsheet of Kevin Towers' trading history since 2001, nerd that I am. From that we learned that Towers loves working with the Red Sox and also Bill Bavasi. That he would consider Adrian Beltre and Mike Lowell for his vacancy followed logically. Today, the Beltre rumor comes courtesy of Ken Rosenthal and Buster Olney threw down the Lowell rumor. If those two big dogs fall through, Towers could pursue previous..   Continue Reading

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New Manny Scenario Discussed?

A source close to the Mets organization has supplied me with a possible trade scenario that is being discussed. It's complicated, but I thought I'd put it out there. Mets trade: Aaron Heilman, Cliff Floyd, Victor Diaz, Brian Bannister Mets get: Manny Ramirez TB trades: Julio Lugo, Joey Gathright TB receives: Aaron Heilman, Victor Diaz, Bronson Arroyo Red Sox trade: Manny Ramirez, Bronson Arroyo Red Sox receive: Julio Lugo, Joey Gathright, Cliff Floyd, Brian Bannister Wow. I'm not sure if this is any more plausible than the other complicated possibilities floating around, but this is a solid source. Let's see..   Continue Reading

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Braves' Andy Marte Available?

Are you familiar with Atlanta Braves' third baseman Andy Marte? Before the 2005 season, Baseball Prospectus rated him the #1 prospect in the game. At age 21, Marte had an excellent 2/3 of a season for Triple A in '05. Marte posted a .372 OBP and .506 SLG for the Richmond Braves. After Chipper Jones went down with an injury, Marte got a brief call-up to the Show on June 7th. He didn't play regularly, and made several trips back and forth to the minors after that. There had been whispers of Marte's availability through trade, but it didn't seem..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumermongering: Lowe, Lugo, and Roberts?

I caught a well-respected source shortly before he left for the winter meetings in Dallas today. He didn't have anything on which way Rafael Furcal is leaning, but he did confirm that the Cubs' offer of five years and about $50MM is on the table. This is nothing new, but now you have one more source authenticating the fact that the Cubs guaranteed the fifth year. Some sources have claimed that the Cubs came out of the gate with 5/50, but in reality their initial bid was four years and $38MM. The Cubs are still in on Juan Pierre. You've..   Continue Reading

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Cameron For Nady Rumor Has Legs

A new Ken Rosenthal column was just posted over at Fox Sports. Some interesting nuggets in there, including a few that confirm rumors we reported on earlier. The rumored Mike Cameron for Xavier Nady swap we mentioned on Sunday may have legs. Rosenthal adds that the Mets could spin Nady into a Manny Ramirez package if they don't want to platoon him with Mike Jacobs. Nady could make sense for the Red Sox, a team with question marks at third and second base. Cameron could also end up in Baltimore or Arizona according to Rosenthal. The column mentions some interest..   Continue Reading

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Julio Lugo To The Braves

Today the Tampa Tribune's Scott Carter again brought up the idea of the Rays trading Julio Lugo. This time, he named names: "While it remains too early to determine whether any of those players will be traded, Atlanta's interest in Lugo appears real. Atlanta catcher Johnny Estrada, third baseman Andy Marte and pitcher John Thomson, who had his $4.75 million option for next season picked up recently, are all believed to be available. Meanwhile, Baez and Huff continue to surface in trade rumors with the Mets and Red Sox that erupted at last year's trade deadline." RotoAuthority has already busted..   Continue Reading

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