From the very day the Red Sox signed shortstop Julio Lugo to a four-year, $36 million contract, it seemed inevitable that this day would come. The Sox tacitly admitted today that they made an E-6 in judgment way back then by designating Lugo for assignment, meaning they must trade him or release him within the next 10 days. Because of his long major-league service, Lugo can't be sent to the minors without his permission.
The Red Sox still owe him $13.5 million, most of which they will probably be forced to swallow even if another team takes him.
The signing wasn't a total disaster for the Red Sox, however. They did win the 2007 World Series with Lugo at shortstop. But he was always perceived as the weak link in the lineup, and as time went on the link became even weaker.
The Red Sox hung onto him longer than they should have, hoping he would improve enough that they could get someone useful for him in a trade. But Lugo's weaknesses just became more obvious: his lack of range, erratic fielding, inability to drive in runs, or even steal bases in big situations.
The time to move Lugo and move on was overdue, and the at last the time has come.
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