Julio Lugo and Chris Duncan Swapped
Numerous sources are reporting that the Cardinals and Red Sox have agreed to swap Chris Duncan and Julio Lugo. The move comes not too long after the Red Sox designated Lugo for assignment, giving the team a small window to trade, release, or place him on waivers. Previous reports suggested Boston was desperate to move Lugo, so much as to placate potential suitors by accepting a fringe prospect and biting most – if not all – of his remaining salary.
The move was predicated on Lugo clearing waivers, which he did this afternoon. I just wrote about Lugo, saying he was essentially a league average bat with some glove issues at shortstop. Boston is paying for the rest of Lugo’s deal, so St. Louis is receiving a virtually free reserve middle infielder and one superior to Tyler Greene at that.
Chris Duncan is the son of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan. As you can imagine, Pops reportedly wasn’t too thrilled, nor was manager Tony LaRussa. Whether the pair threatened to quit or not is anyone’s guess, but the situation in St. Louis seems rather unpleasant at this point.
In Duncan, the Red Sox get someone to show for the contract they just traded. The story on him is pretty simple. A herniated disk in his neck ended his 2008 and he’s yet to show signs of being the same power hitter as before. With regards to Duncan’s defense, he has none. Guys who flail around in the corner outfield without much success offer little in the way of defensive flexibility.
Duncan is a bit more than I expected Boston to receive for Lugo, but I guess it works out since St. Louis is a team with a hole to fill and without much faith in Duncan’s recovery.
Print This Post
Duncan’s been well below replacement since that hot start that lasted about a week and a half, and has received tons of playing time, so St. Louis is happy to see him go. Then again, there is nobody significantly better currently on the roster. Duncan was a better player than he was usually credited for when healthy, but it’s hard to see any upside left in him.
Why would the Cardinals not grab him off waivers, and then trade someone like Duncan for him? I know Duncan isn’t the circa-2007 Chris Duncan, but it doesn’t really make sense.
Why would the Cardinals not grab him off waivers, and then trade someone like Duncan for him? I know Duncan isn’t the circa-2007 Chris Duncan, but it doesn’t really make sense.
Because if they took him on waivers they Red Sox could simply let them have him and they would be stuck paying his entire salary. Once he clears waivers teams can negotiate a deal without having to take the risk of being stuck with his contract.
Thanks. I knew there was something I was missing.
I think it means that the Cards wanted to get rid of Duncan. Boston really would have taken any old thing for Lugo.
Seems like a “my poop for your poop” deal with the added bonus of pissing off the manager and pitching coach.
I realize this may be a slight overreaction, but Pujols has consistently talked of his affection for TLR and I wonder if the Cardinals have harmed their chances of getting a Pujols extension done at a discount before FA if this turns out to be the “final straw” with LaRussa and Duncan.
On the other hand, LaRussa has failed to accept Brendan Ryan as the everyday SS despite his stellar defense and passable bat (relative to said defense) at the most difficult defensive position in exchange for the league minimum salary.
left this out:
I fear LaRussa will play Lugo over Ryan at SS, then be shocked when the GB heavy pitching staff starts giving up more and more runs. A Lugo/Schumaker keystone combo would be among the worst in the league.
Im hoping he tries him out at 2nd or 3rd and moves one of Schumaker or DeRosa to the OF. I agree, a MI of Lugo/Schumaker could get really ugly, especially with the Cardinal’s ‘pitch to contact’ philosophy.
I’m also hopeful that that is the case. Of Ryan, Schumaker, and DeRosa, it should be pretty clear which one should not be taken out of the infield (be it to the outfield or the bench). A chance to move one of the other 2 to the outfield is a good thing, assuming they trust Lugo to play at least semi-regularly.
I don’t see this having much of an effect on the Cards’ ability to resign Pujols. There’s a pretty decent chance LaRussa and Duncan won’t even be around by the end of his current contract, and I think Pujols understands the chances of them sticking around through his next contract are pretty slim. I also don’t see the team trading Duncan when he’s struggling this badly being a final straw once initial emotions calm down. Who they replace Tony with when he does finally decide to leave could potentially have an impact, but I would be surprised if it were a significant factor. The next manager could even end up being Oquendo, who Pujols also has a good relationship with, so if that’s what happens, I don’t see it being an issue at all when Tony and Duncan leave.
How bad has Lugo looked? It’s very conceivable that at his age the quadriceps injury is going to keep him from ever being passable again, but it appears he was legitimately good when he was healthy and playing regularly in ‘07 and just a little below average in ‘08.
You guys should do an article on The prospects being reported to be included for a roy halladay deal. Compare the prospects from the dodgers and phillies. i think that would be a great article
Lugo’s the one I think he should try in the OF. He reacts much too slowly to play 3B, IMO, but I think he still has enough speed to chase down some fly balls even if his instincts aren’t great, and his throws wouldn’t have to be so accurate.
Wonderful stuff, Anderson. You get a nice post here.