The Red Sox and Tigers have discussed a swap of underperforming shortstop Julio Lugo for underperforming pitcher Dontrelle Willis, a possibility that was first mentioned by Nick Cafardo in the Boston Globe. It seems that both teams are checking out the other player. A close view of Willis lately can't look too good after an extremely promising start to his career. "The career trajectory isn't pretty,'' one NL executive said. Willis was the 2003 NL Rookie of the Year and won 22 games in 2005, but after being traded to the Tigers last offseason, he made just eight starts and spent most of the year in the minor leagues.
Both players do have talent, both make about $9 million a year (Willis a tad less) and both have two years to go on their current deals. And frankly, this makes a lot of sense.
One more thing to consider: Tigers manager Jim Leyland is said not to be all that fond of Willis. Maybe it's just his pitching because he always seemed to me to be a gentleman.
Edyta Sliwinska
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This might work. I mean, the Sox have to do something as Lugo has completely worn out his welcome in Boston and his coming back just means less time for Jed Lowrie, who isn't a superstar, but is certainly a better player right now than Lugo is. And besides, you can never have enough pitching. If Willis can still pitch at all it'd be a bonus for the Sox if this trade went through.
dxtate
Falls Church , VA
Total Comments (3)
Not a bad move considering each player needs a change of scenery. That said, I'd say Detroit would get the better side of the deal. Willis needs to go back to the NL, preferably to a small market team, in order to restore some confidence. Time in the minors may serve that purpose from some guys (Brett Myers for example), but it didn't work for Willis.
hopyankees
Mount Joy , PA
Total Comments (38)
i say if lugo goes to the tiger 12 homeruns 62rbis 2.75 avg and willis when he gets to the majors 10-12 era 4.22 121 strike outs
mike1196
Staten Island , NY
Total Comments (59)
I see no reason to "Bail out Detroit", by trading J. Lugo to them for D. Willis. The Red Sox could keep Lugo as their utility infielder. He would be infinitely better than A. Cora in that role. He can play SS, 2B and 3B. Besides, if Lowrie has a sophomore slump(like Ellsbury did), Lugo could increase his trade value for next season, the same way Crisp did. I don't want an overpaid, under performing arm blocking Masterson, Buchholz or Bowden from gaining big league experience.
KenJr
Northfield , CT
Total Comments (6)
This would be a terrible trade for the Tigers before new Tigers' pitching coach Rick Knapp has a chance to help Willis. Also all this talk about lugo's speed has to be with a buyer beware as he had a torn hamstring (nomar anyone), and his hitting and fielding has gone south for about 3 years.
KalineCountry
Total Comments (2)
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