Lugo for Willis and Other Notes

Scott Miller from CBS is reporting that the Red Sox are feeling out a deal with the Tigers that would send lefty Dontrelle Willis to the Red Sox in exchange for Julio Lugo. Bad deal in my opinion. Having never been high on the lefty with the wacky delivery, at $11M, he would be paid more than Josh Beckett and Dice-K through next year. The Red Sox seem to be going with Beckett-Matsuzaka-Lester-Wakefield-Buchholz/Masterson/Free Agent. I think Buchholz should slide back into that rotation spot if you want to keep Masterson as a reliever. Of course, I like Masterson as a starter, but you can always change his role if need be.

With many teams needing a shortstop this off-season, and only two years left on Lugo's deal, it's not a stretch to think he could get traded this off-season for pitching help. As I've said before, their minor league system is lacking a guy who can hit for power, so a power hitting prospect and perhaps a young middle reliever would be a good return for Lugo. The White Sox, Tigers, and Cardinals might be in the bidding if Theo decides to pull this trigger this off-season.

Nick Cafardo of Boston.com is also reporting that the Red Sox are interested in striking a deal for Tampa Bay OF and Rhode Island native Rocco Baldelli. Cafardo reports that the Sox are trying to put in their due diligence regarding Baldelli's mitochondrial disease, which causes premature muscle fatigue. Baldelli would most likely be a replacement for Coco Crisp, should he be dealt.