MLB Trade Rumor: Julio Lugo

Word on the street is that Julio Lugo will be on the move this winter. According to the Tampa Tribune:
"While the Rays received several inquiries about closer Danys Baez and outfielder Aubrey Huff at the GM meetings, shortstop Julio Lugo drew the most intense interest from the Braves, who are not expected to re-sign shortstop Rafael Furcal."
Given the weak shortstop market, it makes a lot of sense for the Devil Rays to trade Lugo now. Lugo is under contract for a very reasonable $4.95MM for 2006. He's evolved into a decent leadoff hitter. Last year he put up a .295/.362/.403 mark and went 39 for 50 in stolen base attempts.
Just as the Braves needed to have a proven Closer in tow before the 2005 season, they'll probably want a known commodity at shortstop in '06. While Lugo can't quite match Furcal, he's still a top five shortstop.
For fantasy baseball purposes, I would expect Lugo to steal 30 bases again as a Brave. I'm not so sure about Lugo maintaining the .290 batting average. He's a career .276 hitter, and batting averages fluctuate year to year. I project Lugo to right at his career average in 2006. (Bold, huh?) Given that he'd probably only help your fantasy team in steals, you should pursue a more offensively well-rounded shortstop.
Speaking of well-rounded shortstops, I have to assume that a Lugo trade would pave the way for B.J. Upton. You may recall that I picked Upton as the #1 impact rookie in fantasy baseball for 2006.
Upton has incredible plate discipline and good power for a shortstop. In a full 2006 season, I expect him to hit .290 with 15 HR, 25 steals, and 90 runs scored. That's my conservative projection based on his minor league record. A lot depends on whether the new D-Rays manager has faith in Upton and lets him work through his defensive problems. Hopefully B.J. will bat near the top of the order, in the #2 spot.

Source: http://www.rotoauthority.com/