Previewing Shortstop

This is all about Julio Lugo. While he won't play every inning of 2007 at shortstop, you can find his backups predictions listed under second base.

Julio Lugo becomes the fourth shortstop in four seasons for Boston and while his contract would suggest he's here for the next four years, we did think the same about Edgar Renteria in 2005.

Lugo will give Boston a leadoff hitter it lacked last season after the departure of Johnny Damon and while Kevin Youkilis played well from the spot, he just wasn't the type of player you need there.

Bill James predicts Lugo for a .277/.343/.399 season with 11 HR, 85 runs and 26 stolen bases.

PECOTA predicts a .284/.347/.406 season with 8 HR, 29 doubles, 19 steals and 74 runs.

My predictions for Lugo are;

Lugo: .296 with 13 HR, 35 doubles, 85 runs and 31 steals.