July 22, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Sox ship Lugo to St. Louis, acquire Chris Duncan
Less than a week after designating him for assignment, the Red Sox have found a taker for Julio Lugo. According to The Boston Herald, Lugo has been traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left fielder / first baseman Chris Duncan. Boston will reportedly pay the entirety of Lugo's remaining $13.5 million salary, including both this season and next season. The 28-year-old Duncan has struggled with various injuries this season, posting a paltry .227/.329/.358 line with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs and 32 RBI in 87 games for the Cardinals, including 68 games in left field and 6 games at first base. Duncan enjoyed his finest offensive season in 2006, his rookie year, when he hit .293/.363/.589 with 22 home runs in 280 at-bats. The son of St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan and the brother of Yankees first baseman Shelley Duncan, Chris owns a career .257/.348/.458 line with 55 home runs and 175 RBI in 389 major league games. Duncan is expected to be assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.