Julio

Lugo

Terrible news. It’s believed that he passed away due to a heart attack. Lugo, who was due to turn 46 years on Tuesday, had a 12-year career in the majors while making stops with seven different teams. He was an important part of the World Series championship team with the Red Sox in 2007.

They turned down Kevin Millar in a deal for Lugo. Maybe they’d have more interest in Doug Mientkiewicz. According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Rays have also discussed Lugo in a three-team deal somehow involving the Rockies’ Charles Johnson and the Mets’ Cliff Floyd.

If a strong enough offer comes in, the Rays would consider parting with Lugo and then going with a lesser shortstop to start over B.J. Upton at the beginning of the season. However, unless the Rays are interested in Rick Ankiel, the Cardinals don’t have a lot left to offer.

The Rays could decline the option and still control his rights, as he won’t be eligible for free agency. Lugo will make $3.25 million this year and is guaranteed another $100,000 in the form of a buyout of the option.

Lugo has never played third, but it shouldn’t be much of a problem for him. This decision may signal the end of Damion Easley in Tampa Bay, while also hurting any value Jared Sandberg has.

Teams have until Tuesday afternoon to claim Lugo before he becomes a free agent. Lugo has been staying in shape by hitting, taking grounders and running on a daily basis.

Lugo has been limited to pinch-hitting appearances this spring.

As expected, Geoff Blum will play third base and Damian Rolls will move into a utility role. The Rays aren’t going to get much offensively out of their infield next season, but it will be an impressive group defensively, making the team’s pitchers a little more valuable.

Lugo allegedly slammed his wife’s head against their vehicle when getting out of the car when arriving at the ballpark last night. Lugo was charged with family-violence contact, and bail was set at $50,000. Lugo played last night and was arrested after the game. Mrs. Lugo was treated and released from a local hospital.

Mabel Lugo also said the the injuries he caused her mouth and head were unintentional, whick contradicts information she gave the police on the night of the arrest. Julio Lugo is on trial for a charge of misdemeanor assault/family violence and could face a year in jail if convicted. The trial is scheduled to end Thursday, so a quick resolution is likely. The Rays expect him to remain with the team for the rest of the year.