Orioles Trade For Julio Lugo

In what proved to be a busy day for the Baltimore Orioles, their day started off by them acquiring second basemen Julio Lugo in a trade with the St Louis Cardinals. In return, the Orioles will give either a player to be named later or cash considerations. Lugo, was acquired by St Louis last year in an effort to improve their production in the middle infield. But after the Cardinals signed Felipe Lopez this offseason, Lugo became expendable. He Will likely be the primary backup for both second base, and shortstop. He could see a good amount of playing time in the early going due to injury concerns over Orioles All Star second basemen Brian Roberts.

Here is what our Cardinals Writer, Ryne Geary, had to say about the move over at Redbird Rants…

"His value to the Cardinals diminished with the offseason addition of Felipe Lopez and the emergence of Allen Craig, Nick Stavinoha, and Joe Mather as capable options off the bench. Each have been good all spring and fill in the final three roster spots for the Redbirds. The Cards roster is now set for Opening Day."

And here is a perspective on the trade from the Orioles point of view, thanks to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com…

"What Lugo will do is add a level of security for manager Dave Trembley, particularly concerning Roberts. Expected to be the O’s Opening Day second baseman, Roberts had played in three consecutive games prior to Wednesday, with no reported issues. But Baltimore’s grueling opening schedule — which includes 16 consecutive games — dictates the necessity for another middle infielder."

I think that the Orioles made a very good move here, with the addition of Julio Lugo. Because, while his numbers won’t wow you, he is a quality player to have on your team. And with him being on the Red Sox in the past, his familiarity with the AL east will also come to his benefit.

Last year, with the Red Sox and Cardinals Lugo had a line of .280/.352/.405 in 293 plate appearances. This will be Lugo’s 5th team in 10 years of major league service.

And Finally, Here is what our Orioles Writer, Lawrence Barreca, had to say about the move…

"This was a decent move.  From what I currently know, the Red Sox will be paying his salary, and he was acquired for a player to be named later.  What does this move mean?  It means that the team is not confident in the health of second baseman Brian Roberts.  I can’t say I’m in love with the move, but I don’t dislike it either.  It was a necessary move, to an extent."