Sunday, December 17, 2006
JULIO LOUGY LUGO
As I said recently, it is clear to me that the Sox have decided to make a serious run in 2007 and 2008. With that in mind, any production in the last two years of Julio Lugo’s deal can be seen as a bonus, just when he could be putting up numbers comparable to a utility infielder. Add in the fact that the Sox farm system is barren of any legitimate shortstop prospects, and even the last two years of the deal do not seem so outlandish. Regardless, Lugo is here to make an impact over the next two years.
Overall, Lugo should be an upgrade in 2007 over 2006. Lugo forecasts to clearly be better offensively and a downgrade defensively when compared to AGone. Even if one thinks that AGone’s defensive prowess makes up for his shortcomings at the plate, the makeup of the Sox should allow them to maximize Lugo’s strengthens and minimize his weaknesses. Lugo will get more plate appearances than AGone. Also, the Sox have a fly ball staff, which will minimize the downgrade defensively. Lugo is a better fit for this club making him more productive than AGone.
Other than the additional contract years and dollars, which is the cost of doing business in this market, the only downside to the acquisition of Lugo is that the Sox have to surrender their first round draft pick next June. Unlike in years past, the Sox will not be compensated with a first round draft pick themselves, so it will be a net loss. But again, Lugo’s signing is all about now. The loss of a first round pick would likely impact the club after 2008 at the earliest. The Olde Towne Team is “all in” over the next two seasons so buckle up.
***
Later this week:
* Quantity rather than quality again for the pen.
* How badly did the Sox beat Boras?
* It will be tough for the Sox to recoup their investment in Dice-K.
***
With a few shopping days left, here are some suggestions from El Guapo's Ghost.
For Mom: Flurry Flannel Pajamas in a keepsake organza hatbox
My Mom loved her pajamagram for Mother's Day.
For Dad: RED SOX Tickets
You and Dad taking in a Sox win on a warm summer night - not much beats it unless the MFY go down.
For Grandma: A Year of Flowers
It is pricey, but affordable as a group gift with your siblings, and easy as pie for a tough person to buy for. Grandma will get a new bouquet each month so it will be hard for her to forget about you when she is revising her will.
For Grandfather: A Lobster Dinner
Now that he is moved to Florida, he craves good lobster. This gives him a taste of New England without having to leave the sunshine state.
More shopping tips later in the week for the girlfriend/wife, boyfriend/husband, and the Sox, not MFY, Swap.
Please note that I have not been nor will be compensated to promote these products and as a matter of full disclosure, in some cases I am affiliated with the companies.
As I said recently, it is clear to me that the Sox have decided to make a serious run in 2007 and 2008. With that in mind, any production in the last two years of Julio Lugo’s deal can be seen as a bonus, just when he could be putting up numbers comparable to a utility infielder. Add in the fact that the Sox farm system is barren of any legitimate shortstop prospects, and even the last two years of the deal do not seem so outlandish. Regardless, Lugo is here to make an impact over the next two years.
Overall, Lugo should be an upgrade in 2007 over 2006. Lugo forecasts to clearly be better offensively and a downgrade defensively when compared to AGone. Even if one thinks that AGone’s defensive prowess makes up for his shortcomings at the plate, the makeup of the Sox should allow them to maximize Lugo’s strengthens and minimize his weaknesses. Lugo will get more plate appearances than AGone. Also, the Sox have a fly ball staff, which will minimize the downgrade defensively. Lugo is a better fit for this club making him more productive than AGone.
Other than the additional contract years and dollars, which is the cost of doing business in this market, the only downside to the acquisition of Lugo is that the Sox have to surrender their first round draft pick next June. Unlike in years past, the Sox will not be compensated with a first round draft pick themselves, so it will be a net loss. But again, Lugo’s signing is all about now. The loss of a first round pick would likely impact the club after 2008 at the earliest. The Olde Towne Team is “all in” over the next two seasons so buckle up.
***
Later this week:
* Quantity rather than quality again for the pen.
* How badly did the Sox beat Boras?
* It will be tough for the Sox to recoup their investment in Dice-K.
***
With a few shopping days left, here are some suggestions from El Guapo's Ghost.
For Mom: Flurry Flannel Pajamas in a keepsake organza hatbox
My Mom loved her pajamagram for Mother's Day.
For Dad: RED SOX Tickets
You and Dad taking in a Sox win on a warm summer night - not much beats it unless the MFY go down.
For Grandma: A Year of Flowers
It is pricey, but affordable as a group gift with your siblings, and easy as pie for a tough person to buy for. Grandma will get a new bouquet each month so it will be hard for her to forget about you when she is revising her will.
For Grandfather: A Lobster Dinner
Now that he is moved to Florida, he craves good lobster. This gives him a taste of New England without having to leave the sunshine state.
More shopping tips later in the week for the girlfriend/wife, boyfriend/husband, and the Sox, not MFY, Swap.
Please note that I have not been nor will be compensated to promote these products and as a matter of full disclosure, in some cases I am affiliated with the companies.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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