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 him to fill their second base vacancy. One has to wonder, though, if the Mets wouldn’t just be better off with Luis Castillo, who performed averagely in his 199 at bats with the Mets last season (.296/.371/.372). On the whole, Castillo is far better Lugo comp than Eckstein; both Lugo and Castillo will be 32 next season, and have seen similar production over the years. The Astros are also reportedly interested in Castillo, though the same can be said for nearly every FA on the list.
The Mets are also looking at Orlando Hudson in possible trade scenarios to fill their second base vacancies. Speculation, though, is that the Mets would like to hold onto their movable prospects in order to acquire a front-line pitcher. Clearly, Johan Santana tops that list.
The Cardinals aren’t officially severing ties with Eckstein, but it appears unlikely that they will dole out a Lugo deal for him. New Cardinals GM John Mozeliak had this to say about the scrappy shortstop:
"We’re going into it looking for a shortstop, and given the fact that David is out there, obviously we have him in mind. One of the things we’re doing internally is trying to get a feel for the supply and the demand of shortstops in this market. David probably is doing the same, and right now there doesn’t appear to be a lot of teams looking for shortstops."
At first, I didn’t think too many teams needed shortstops, but after looking around it seems that there are plenty of teams that could at least use an upgrade at the position. Unfortunately, Eckstein doesn’t represent much of one.
Joe Pawlikowski is co-author of River Ave. Blues, a Yankees blog.
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 are. He’s planning on testing free agency if he doesn’t stay with Chicago.
UPDATE: Jayson Stark is reporting that Williams is asking for three players for Buehrle, two of which must be premium prospects. Ultimately I think KW will settle for just one top prospect. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times would begrudgingly surrender center fielder Adam Jones.
Stark adds that the Red Sox are back in the Buehrle sweepstakes, trying to push Julio Lugo on the White Sox as part of the deal.
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.
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 that deal without getting something else of value in return.
According to Rotoworld, the Mets have offered Julio Lugo $36 million over four years, but Steve Phillips believes the Red Sox will sign him. Theo Epstein was quoted earlier today saying that Dustin Pedroia could be his opening day shortstop, but it’s hard to believe the Red Sox won’t find some way to upgrade at least one of their middle infield spots.
By Jeff Sackmann, Brew Crew Ball
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.
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 Sackmann
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 Alfonso Soriano. Lugo’s agent, Jeff Borris, knows that his client is much more valuable if he’s seen as an option at SS, CF, or 2B. Lugo was headed towards a career year of his own until he was dealt to the Dodgers, where his role was unclear.
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 to the Devil Rays for Lugo. Lugo’s been a terrible hitter for L.A. while playing 2B, 3B, and even a little OF. It was a curious trade for Los Angeles.
As the easy choice for the best shortstop on the market, Lugo should command upwards of four years and $40MM. It would be surprising to see the Mets pay that kind of money for a second baseman, so Lugo would probably have to give a hometown discount to become a Met. Several teams are going to entertain the possibility of Lugo as their next shortstop. Possibilities include the Red Sox, Blue Jays, White Sox, and Reds. The smart money is on the Red Sox or Jays.
There was some ugliness involving Lugo and his wife in 2003. The Astros instantly demoted Lugo after he reportedly assaulted his wife. He was later found innocent after Mabely Lugo changed her story.
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 of the future.
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.