Lugo to Dodgers (Merged)

[jbauer2485]

Yahoo's Brad Evans:

With the sands of the deadline hourglass running down, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays traded wheel-churning shortstop Julio Lugo to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prized infield prospect Joel Guzman and minor-league Sergio Pedroza. Although heading to a more pitcher-friendly park, Lugo's value takes a short-term leap because he will gain second base eligibility filling in for the injured Jeff Kent. However, once Kent and Nomar Garciaparra return to 100 percent in about two weeks, Lugo will likely become a platoon player overtaking the role vacated by Cesar Izturis, who was dealt to the Chicago Cubs for Greg Maddux. Given the expectation that Kent and Garciaparra can remain healthy, NL-Only owners should keep bids conservative for Lugo. Shallow mixed leaguers counting on Lugo will need to explore long-term options at an already razor-thin shortstop position.

Why the hell is a player like Lugo going to sit on the bench? What kind of deal was this for the Dodgers?

[CeeLoGreen]

This is the rundown I heard during the Rays broadcast and on the radio afterwards this evening.

The Dodgers inquired to Lugo's agent whether he would accept a move to second. He did. I guess he really wanted out of Tampa.

As for Gonzalez, the broadcasters went back to the fact that he may have an attitude problem, saying he was benched for failing to run out a grounder and a pop out. His power threat is legit though.

Seems like the Rays like collecting prospects with a sense of entitlement. Between Upton, Dukes, Young and Gonzo, they could have an E True Hollywood Story.

[Q's Tribe]

F me. I have both Furcal and Lugo on the same team.

[stumpak]

I would not worry about Lugo's playing time. First, both Kent and Normar have injuries that have the potential linger. If Kent beats Nomar back, he will be at 3B. Second, the Dodgers did not give up Guzman for guy who will be a role-player. That is what they expect Betemit to provide. I am guessing that Lugo will be taking grounders at 3B starting today so he can move there if both Nomar and Kent come back. Or Nomar could move there.