Since Gammons started us thinking on this…here’s some quick thoughts regarding possiblity of Sox trading for Omar Vizquel and having him share the SS duties with Jed Lowrie
On the surface, I like the idea. But it makes for a crowded roster of infielders with Lowrie, Vizquel, and Alex Cora all pretty much in the same role. Does Cora still have a role on this team with Lowrie and another shortstop around?
Also, Vizquel has been hurt all year. Has yet to play a game. He’s making $5 million this year. Becomes free agent at the end of the year. Lugo is making $9.25 million this year with a couple years left. Love, love, love the mentoring Vizquel can provide Lowrie. But we already know Cora can do provide this as he helped Pedroia a lot last year.
So if you send Lugo plus $5 million to the Giants for Vizquel, would the Giants take it? Seems pretty enticing to them. They have a SS for the next couple years. A guy who can possibly provide some offense (of which they have absolutely none) someone in their order.
Second question. Should sox do that? I say yes. Vizquel and Lowie share SS this year. Next year, Lowrie becomes full time starter. Though still can’t figure out what becomes of Alex Cora.
But why can’t the position sharing happen with Cora and Lowrie? We’re talking about our #9 hitter. What’s required is rock solid defense at SS and a batting average of minimum .260, which is around what Lowrie is hitting now.
Here’s my best argument AGAINST trading Lugo. Possibility of the double steal this season becomes dramatically diminished.
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you know, they actually pulled off the double steal twice in a game the week before last? I think Pedroia was actually the guy going to second in one of those double steals….besides, with crisp as the fourth outfielder and manny taking days off / drew injuring his pinky once or twice a month they will have the crisp/ellsbury combo more often than you would expect.
I don’t think they are any more crowded with infielders than they are now - you just swap lugo for omar…if one of those two gets hot, you ride ‘em…
also, lowrie can get a little time at 3rd for lowell…
here’s another theory of mine - they really like lowrie to become the everyday third basemen for lowell at the end of his contract and plan to use him more in that role over the next few years as lowell gets older and needs more breaks.
cc
Cora has been out most of the season and not on the roster. Thats why Lowrie was called up in the first place. So its not exactly straight swap of Visquel for Lugo and it all fits.
Agree that Lowrie has more appeal b/c he plays more positions.
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