 | Lugo happy to be in Baltimore |
The Baltimore Sun is reporting New infield acquisition Julio Lugo arrived in the Orioles clubhouse Friday and made it clear that he expects to play.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley "told me I'm going to play more," Lugo said. "I'm just going to come here and do my best. I like to play. I'm fine. I'm happy they found a way to do it, and I'm happy that I'm here."
The Orioles added Lugo on Thursday, acquiring the veteran utility infielder from the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named or cash. The impetus of the move was to upgrade at the utility-infield spot and give the club some insurance for second baseman Brian Roberts, who is still ailing with a herniated disk in his back.
"I'm aware that he's hurt, but I know he's the second baseman here," said Lugo, 34, who is lifetime .271 hitter over 10 big league seasons and has started at every position in majors except first base and catcher. "I think Dave's going to try to get me some playing time."
Trembley said that for now, the club will use the infielder at second base or shortstop to spell starter Cesar Izturis, though Lugo, who has fought through groin issues this spring, said he's up for anything.
"You're ready physically and mentally," said Lugo, who went 0-for-2 in the Orioles' 6-6 tie with the New York Yankees on Friday. "You come from another team and you've already had spring training. It's not like I was sitting at home not doing anything. It's just a different hat, a different uniform. ... Baltimore has a team that has a lot of winners. A lot of good people have been through here. All the guys talk good about this team. I just want to lay low and try to figure it out myself."
To read more..
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-osnotes0402,0,4395585.story
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