Lugo traded to the Orioles:
http://interact.stltoday.com/blogzon...als-deal-lugo/
JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals have traded infielder Julio Lugo to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named, pending approval by the Commissioner’s Office.
Manager Tony La Russa and Lugo confirmed the deal. La Russa felt confident enough about it to have already notified outfield candidates Joe Mather, Allen Craig and Nick Stavinoha that they all have made the Cardinals’ season-opening roster.
Lugo hugged first baseman Albert Pujols and remained in street clothes while his former teammates dressed for their Grapefruit League finale against the Florida Marlins. Lugo then left camp to join the Orioles in Sarasota. The Orioles had scouted for middle infield insurance ever since second baseman Brian Roberts suffered recurring back problems this spring.
Lugo voiced satisfaction with the move but insisted he did not request it. However, Lugo’s role on the team appeared to become complicated once the Cardinals signed free agent utility player Felipe Lopez in late February. At the time Lugo said he adopted the attitude that he was playing for all 30 teams.
“I have a lot of respect for those guys. I loved it here,” said Lugo, acquired last July 22 from the Boston Red Sox. “I wish I could come back. I really liked it here. It’s one of the best places I’ve been.”
The Commissioner’s Office must give its approval to deals that include more than $1 million in cash considerations. An industry source indicated the Orioles will assume only the Cardinals’ $400,000 obligation to Lugo for this season. The Red Sox remain on the hook for the balance of Lugo’s $9 million salary.
Lugo refused to draw a connection between Lopez’ addition and his trade but La Russa acknowledged meeting with Lugo more than once about his role on the club.
Lugo had made clear he wanted an opportunity to start, something the Cardinals could not provide. Signing Lopez only exacerbated the issue.
“We were going to ask him to be something he doesn’t want to be,” La Russa said. “In his career he’s been an everyday player… He acknowledged he wanted to play a prominent role. It was going to be one of those cases where it was going to be utility. I used Aaron Miles, Miguel Cairo and Eduardo Perez as examples. Those guys could get three hits and the next day they don’t play. That’s a tough adjustment for most guys.”
“I don’t think one player changes a situation. You’ve just got to play good. That’s it,” Lugo said. “I did my best. I played good. It’s just a matter of choices.”
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak notified Lugo of a potential deal after Wednesday’s exhibition loss to the Washington Nationals. Lugo this morning learned a deal was done pending league approval.
It is unclear how much time the Orioles will afford Lugo. Roberts has played in the Orioles’ last three games. Shortstop Cesar Izturis has labored offensively this spring and may be vulnerable to a timeshare. Utility player Robert Andino has done little to secure his standing this spring.
The deal creates an avenue for the Cardinals to retain all three contenders for what was previously believed to be two outfield spots. Craig and Mather have experience at third base while Lopez is considered an option at second base, third and shortstop. Lopez’ deal includes a $1 million base but also provides $1.2 million in incentives based on plate appearances. Today’s move clears the way for him to achieve more of those incentives.
The club continues to mull whether to place reliever Blake Hawksworth on the disabled list to open the season. Hawksworth is scheduled to throw a side session this morning, his first test since being shut down after last Saturday with a right groin strain.