'08 Outlook for Julio Lugo

'07 Season: Lugo signed a 4 year contract to play short for the Red Sox and to use his speed when he got on base. Unfortunately for Boston, he was not on base very much during the first half of the season. The Mendoza Line was wishful thinking for Lugo in June when he hit an unbelievable .089 for the month. Lugo made some big plays in the field but also booted an easy grounder to ruin Schilling's perfect game. Julio turned it around in July with a 14 game hit streak and a 7 RBI game. He ended up batting .280 for the second half of the season. Lugo had a career high 73 RBI's and his second highest stolen base total of 33 last season.

'08 Outlook: Lugo's batting average was about 40 points below his career average last season so we should see some improvement at the plate. Getting more than 70 RBI's in the '08 season is going to be a stretch for him especially when he bats in the 8th or 9th spot. Lugo will continue to be a decent defensive shortstop and his speed will help. There will be much less pressure on him in the upcoming season as the fans have now accepted him and won't be calling WEEI to ask why Cora is not playing short every time he gets out. Cora will bat in the upper .200's with over 50 RBI's and 30 SB's. He will be a productive guy at the end of the order but he will not be the hero of the team and I don't expect #23 shirts to be sold out any time soon.