An American League source recently told Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News that Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo has been working out at the Mets' Dominican Republic complex.
The 33-year-old shortstop was designated for assignment on Friday, meaning the Sox have 10 days to sign or trade him before he becomes a free agent. The source believes that once the 10 days are up, the Mets are poised to sign the veteran infielder, who has spent time with the Dodgers and Rays in addition to the Red Sox.
Lugo is batting .284 with a homer and eight RBIs in 109 at bats this season. Former Sox utility man Alex Cora is serving as the Mets shortstop due to a calf injury to All-Star Jose Reyes.
In addition to this report out of New York, the Arizona Republic is reporting that trade talks between the Diamondbacks and Sox may surface involving outfielder Eric Byrnes and Lugo. According to the report, the two clubs were attempting to work out a deal this offseason involving both of these players. The D-Backs are hoping to cut ties with Byrnes — also known as "The Crash Test Dummy" — due to his big contract which will pay him roughly $15 million through 2010.
