Oct 06 2006 07:55 AM
Speaking of seeing you next year, check out Julio Lugo with the faux pas of getting baited into talking about next year.
Odd time to look ahead for Lugo
Dodgers infielder is entertaining thought of playing with Mets
BY ERIK BOLAND
Newsday Staff Writer
Published October 6 2006
Credit Julio Lugo for answering the question honestly. Dock him for the timing.
Lugo, who received the start at third base for the Dodgers last night, was asked before the game about speculation the Mets might try to acquire him this offseason. Instead of offering the usual platitudes such as "We'll talk about that after the season, or I'm just worried about helping this team win a championship," Lugo actually gave an answer of substance.
"Well, it's nice to know that people want you out there," said Lugo, who will be a free agent at season's end. "I mean, I'm grateful for them to be interested because I was raised here in New York. I was a Met fan for a while."
Lugo, 30, moved from the Dominican Republic to Sunset Park in Brooklyn with his family when he was 13 and attended Fort Hamilton High School.
The Mets' appeal when he was young?
"The blue hats," Lugo said. "I used to love the blue hats they used to have."
Lugo was chosen in the 43rd round of the 1994 draft by the Astros, but he didn't reach the majors until 2000. Lugo spent three-and-a-half seasons with Houston before being dealt to the Devil Rays in the middle of the 2003 season. The Dodgers acquired Lugo July 31 in exchange for minor leaguers Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza. The Mets reportedly were interested as well, but the Dodgers were able to close the deal.
Primarily a shortstop for most of his career, Lugo became a utilityman in Los Angeles and struggled. He appeared in 29 games at second base, 16 at third, eight at shortstop, two in rightfield and one in leftfield. Lugo was hitting .308 with 12 home runs, 27 RBIs and 18 stolen bases for the Devil Rays, but his numbers dropped significantly after being dealt to the Dodgers. After the trade, Lugo hit .219 with 10 RBIs, no home runs and six stolen bases in 49 games.
"That's my main position. I played shortstop all through my career," Lugo said.
Of course, if Lugo joined the Mets, it likely would be as a second baseman. Jose Valentin is unlikely to be there next season and David Wright and Jose Reyes are fixtures at third and short, respectively. Lugo said exceptions can be made.
"If you want me to play second, I will think about it," Lugo said. "There's no reason why you couldn't do something for a good team."
What made Lugo's bluntness odd was the time and place. Players, especially those in the playoffs, rarely engage in conjecture on where their next stop will be. Dodgers manager Grady Little, however, sounded as if Lugo's departure was probable.
"I don't think he's adjusted to it in terms of the fact that he likes it," Little said. "I just think he'll do whatever he needs to do to help us win games."
