Seattle Mariners: If Trade Routes Get Blocked, Grab Julio Lugo

The Boston Red Sox have recently designated underwhelming SS Julio Lugo for assignment today. Simply put that means they would rather eat the $13 million remaining on his contract, literally pay for him to play elsewhere, then have him on the roster.

So far this season Lugo has only hit one HR, and eight RBI's, at least his saving grace is he has only gotten 109 AB's this season.

The one silver lining for him is that he has posted a .284 average this season, someone is going to give him a shot.

Why not the Seattle Mariners?

I was excited about the recent trade of SS Yuniesky Betancourt to the Royals, but it does leave us short an opening day starter.

Cedeno has been a good filler inner in his stead, better defense, and can't hit just like Betancourt can't hit.

In all seriousness, if the Mariners are to contend, Cedeno is not the answer.

In regards to the SS position the Mariners have been linked to SS Jack Wilson, and 2B (would become SS) Freddy Sanchez of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

If a trade were to collapse, why not give Lugo a shot? He would only cost the M's $400,000, no players, and he is an upgrade over what they have. GM Jack Zdurencik has been able to plug seemingly underwhelming players onto his squad and turn the whole gig into a winning competitive team, and they turn into starting caliber players overnight it seems.

Who would had thought Ryan Langerhans would be a potential everyday starter when we swapped Mike Morse for him?

David Aardsma anyone? How about Russell Branyan? All cast off's, all contributing towards a playoff push.

At 33 he can still perform at a high level, and who knows, maybe a breath of fresh air would be best for Lugo.

Something needs to be done at SS, and 3B, if the trade routes get blocked, Lugo could be a low risk, high reward acquisition.