December 13, 2006 at 10:04 PM
Sox Make Lugo Official
On a busy day in Red Sox Nation, Manager Terry Francona and Assistant GM Jed Hoyer formally introduced SS Julio Lugo today at a Fenway Park press conference. The Sox had come to terms with Lugo on a four year $36 million contract during the winter meetings, but the deal’s official announcement had been delayed pending the outcome of a physical. Hoyer and Francona were called upon to preside over the announcement in the absence of GM Theo Epstein and president Larry Lucchino, who were reportedly putting the finishing touches on a deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Good friend David Ortiz also was on hand to welcome Lugo. The 31-year-old with a career line of .277/.340/.402 in eight seasons will bat leadoff for the Sox in 2007 and wear uniform number 23.