Julio Lugo traded to Orioles; Cards roster finalized

The St. Louis Cardinals traded Julio Lugo to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later and cash considerations. The deal is awaiting approval from the Commissioner’s office.

Lugo has been a solid middle infielder throughout his career. He was the shortstop for the Boston Red Sox during its 2007 World Series Championship run, providing stability on defense and an experienced contact bat in the lineup. After spending much of his career as a starter, Lugo didn’t want to take on a diminished role. He would have been a role player off the bench, filling the day’s need in the infield or lineup. He heads to Baltimore, where he will provide depth in the infield where Brian Roberts is a question mark for Opening Day.

His value to the Cardinals diminished with the offseason addition of Felipe Lopez and the emergence of Allen Craig, Nick Stavinoha, and Joe Mather as capable options off the bench. Each have been good all spring and fill in the final three roster spots for the Redbirds. The Cards roster is now set for Opening Day.

That means there is only one thing left to do: play ball!