Butterfly

So, today Larry Stone wrote this article in the Seattle times and I actually thought it was going to come alittle sooner such as yesterday after the writting appeared on the wall. But, Julio Lugo Boston Red Sox's SS is DFA (desginated for assignment), if it wasn't already it's apparent that they want to drop him like a bad habit. It's been reasonably established that they would even be willing to eat his salary to dump his roster spot. Things would have to happen rather quickly should a deal be made because boston wants to activate Clay Buchholz, Mike Lowell and Jed Lowrie according to MLB Trade Rumors

Now, Larry Stone suggested that this maybe someone that the mariners may want to take a flyer on with limited investment and potential high turnout. Now, I'm not against giving guys a chance. I love the Russell Branyan move, and honestly i wish they would give Chris Shelton more oppertunity. But, and that is one huge Mariah Carey sized BUTTTTTT ... Julio Lugo is at best a very slim barely above league average bat with a below average glove for the past two years.

Fan graphs did a great analysis on him here , pretty much summing up what i said. But also worth a look.


I would much rather drop Bedard and Washburn for either JJ Hardy, Reid Brignac or as Larry has suggested prior Jason Donald... this solves not just an immedate hole but a future one as well. With the immpeding loss of Erik Bedard we need to get back some type of compensation and a B level draft pick just isn't going to cut it after giving up Adam Jones and Chris Tilman.

Sure you may say that Jose Lugo is hitting better than JJ Hardy, and you would be correct. Jose Lugo IS infact out hitting JJ Hardy

wOBA hWAR bRAA
JJ Hardy .307 0.2 -6.6

Julio Lugo .332 0.2 -1.8


But with that considered Julio Lugo's defense has been TERRIBLE... with a UZR of -8.2 in a small sample size of this year... and has always been an average to below average short stop.

JJ Hardy meanwhile has averaged a UZR of 9.2 for his past five seasons and currently has a UZR of 8.0 ...


JJ Hardy is also 27 vs. Lugo who is 33 ... JJ hardy has is probley currently hitting his prime ... vs. Lugo who is not going to help you defensively (and thats with a pitch to contact pitching staff that we have) and he's going to only get worse.



But just so you dont think i'm all about only going after JJ Hardy ... i've got my own opnion about who we should aquire....



Jason Donald .... there was a rumor that there may have been a deal for the Red Soxs to aquire him for Brad Penny. I'm sorry Jarrod Washburn is a MUCH better pitcher and fit for the phillies team and defense. Is he not worth the same amount ... maybe not? Send Greg Halmaan their way or a pitching prospect of sometype ... either way we get back something we need now. Not just a stop gap. I thought the idea was not just selling but also trying to buy...



Just some thoughts on this quiet friday night/afternoon pending on where you are