Rays/MLB

Lugo willing to talk with Rays about staying

By MARC TOPKIN
Published July 27, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - Shortstop Julio Lugo said he is open to forgoing free agency to stay with the Devil Rays and thinks a long-term contract could be worked out.

Having explored the trade market without making a deal, the Rays have now intensified efforts to sign the veteran shortstop. And Lugo, who previously indicated he was determined to test the lucrative free-agent market, said Wednesday they might be able to do it.

"I think we could work something out," Lugo said. "Realistically, I do. I like it here. I don't know yet. I don't know what's going to happen."

Lugo, 30, had indicated several times he would seek a deal similar to what other top shortstops have received, in the area of $8-million to $10-million a season for four or five years. The Rays are likely to offer a lower salary and may prefer a shorter term, but the key will be by how much.

Agent Dan Lozano of the Beverly Hills Sports Council said Wednesday night that talks with the Rays thus far have been more "theoretical," but that could change soon.

"We're hoping to have more detailed discussions, and the length of the contract and the dollars will be the No. 1 topic," Lozano said.

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said it was in the "best interests" of the team and Lugo "to fully explore a long-term contract, especially as the Monday trade deadline approaches." Lugo said he didn't want to discuss specifics because "things could be delicate."

Lugo has been one of the top offensive shortstops in the game this season, hitting .309 with 12 homers (despite missing more than a month due to injuries) and a .373 on-base percentage while serving as the Rays' leadoff hitter.

Lugo has enjoyed his 3 seasons with the Rays, but Lozano said he would want assurances the team is going to become competitive.

"Julio has expressed to me many times how much he likes the organization and the area," he said. "The direction of the team will be very important to Julio. He likes what he's seen."

The Blue Jays and Red Sox are considered the teams most interested in Lugo, but neither may be willing to give up the top-notch young players or prospects the Rays would want, though the market may change the closer it gets to Monday's 4 p.m. deadline for nonwaiver trades.

The Rays could keep Lugo all season and get draft compensation if he leaves as a free agent.

Lugo returned to the lineup Wednesday for what could be his last game at Tropicana Field after missing three with a nasty bruise on the tip of his right middle finger.

He singled in his first at-bat since hitting two homers in the fifth inning Saturday, then flied out twice and grounded out. He handled several fielding chances with no problem, though he said the finger did stiffen and contributed to an errant throw he made in the eighth inning.

"I felt good," he said. "A little sore, but good. It will be good to have a day off, then I'll come back and play the next three games in New York."

[Last modified July 27, 2006, 01:53:52]