Lugo fills up against Philly
Shortstop goes 4 for 5 in win
PHILADELPHIA - It was as if he experienced that Philadelphia freedom. As if he had run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art pumping his fists like Rocky. That's how invigorated Julio Lugo felt last night.
"Of course, when you get hits, you feel good," said Lugo, slipping on a pair of $400
The embattled shortstop went 4 for 5 and knocked in two runs, after pitching in with a big pinch hit in Friday night's 5-2 win, during a three-run 13th inning. Lugo needed this for a number of reasons, including the fact the Sox would like nothing more than to trade him, which is more difficult if he's sitting on the bench.
"For me, it's tough," said Lugo. "I want to play. I haven't adjusted to being on the bench."
Manager Terry Francona said he's talked with Lugo on more than one occasion in the last week.
"It hasn't been the best week for him," said Francona. "I've had a couple of conversations with him and Theo [Epstein, the general manager] has talked to him. He's handled himself very professionally."
Lugo characterized his conversation with Epstein as, "We didn't talk about anything in particular," and that Epstein asked him only how he was doing and handling things. "We talked and everything is still the same," said Lugo. "I'm here."
Asked whether he believes he will be traded, Lugo said, "You're asking the wrong person." Asked whether he hoped he would be going elsewhere, he said, "I'm just thinking about the Red Sox now. There's nothing I can do. I just want to play and not think about other things."
Last night, Lugo drove in Boston's fourth run in a five-run first inning with a single to center that got by Shane Victorino, allowing the fifth run to score. He doubled in the fourth, singled in a run in the fifth, and doubled in the seventh, before striking out in his fifth at-bat.
Lugo has not been in the best frame of mind since losing his starting job to Nick Green. With Jed Lowrie heading out on a rehab assignment this week, the clock seems to be ticking on Lugo's days in a Red Sox uniform. It shouldn't be more than about 10 days before Lowrie returns and a roster spot has to be created.
The chance of the Red Sox carrying three shortstops is remote. Because Green is considered a utility player, he likely will stick. Would anyone take Lugo in a deal? That's the $13 million question, which is approximately the amount remaining on Lugo's four-year, $36 million deal.
Lugo said he felt good physically. Asked whether he was now 100 percent after knee surgery, he said, "I'm fine. There's nothing else I can do."
