Rays/MLB

Red Sox stock up with Lugo, Drew

The Red Sox make two deals, significantly bolstering the team.

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Published December 6, 2006

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Julio Lugo was right.

Lugo prompted the Devil Rays to trade him in July after turning down a contract extension that didn't give him the $9-million a year he believed he was worth. After finishing the season in Los Angeles and filing for free agency, he got what he wanted in Boston, reaching a preliminary agreement Tuesday on a four-year, $36-million deal.

The Red Sox also reached agreement with outfielder J.D. Drew on a five-year, $70-million contract. The deals, subject to the players passing physicals, upgrade the Red Sox's already potent offense or provide depth if they trade slugger Manny Ramirez.

Lugo, who was being sought by the Cubs and Mets, will play shortstop and bat leadoff for the Sox. He hit .308 with 12 homers and 27 RBIs in 73 games for the Rays, .219 with no homers and 10 RBIs in 49 games for the Dodgers in a utility role.

"He plays with enthusiasm always," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "He's very contagious. He's a leader."

GOOD, BUT GONE: Astros manager Phil Garner didn't mince words in praising new Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey, who was unceremoniously fired in Houston at the season's end.

"You can expect some hard work," Garner said. "He's going to be dedicated. ... He'll do a very good job for you. He's a good evaluator."

But asked why it didn't work out for Hickey with the Astros, Garner said, "It just didn't."

LOBBY CHATTER: The Padres were close to completing a one-year, $10-million deal with right-hander Greg Maddux. ... The Orioles and Dodgers are frontrunners to sign Tampa native Luis Gonzalez, each offering a one-year, $7-million deal, but Gonzalez wants a two-year deal. ... The Royals signed former Rays first-rounder Dewon Brazelton to a minor-league deal.

Eduardo A. Encina can be reached at eencina@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 6, 2006, 05:29:32]