Now that Boston has its catching situation figured out (well, almost; there is still the question of the No. 2 guy - Bard or Kottaras or TBA), can we talk about shortstop?

Jed Lowrie or Julio Lugo?

The common sense seems to go with Lowrie, who proved he is major league capable last year. But Lowrie did have his struggles, especially batting left-handed.

But, could Lugo have a comeback year? Do you really want to pay a guy $9-million to sit the bench?

Let's look at some stats. Both players played roughly a half-season in the majors in 2008.

Lugo: 82 games, 261 at-bats; Lowrie: 81 games, 260 AB's.

Lowrie: .258 avg., 25 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 1 SB, 46 RBI

Lugo: .268 avg., 13 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 12 SB, 22 RBI

Defense:

Lowrie played 49 games at shortstop (0 errors), 45 at third (2), 3 at second (0)

Lugo played 81 games at shortstop (16 errors), 1 in left field (0)

Of note:

Lowrie batted .297 with runners in scoring position, Lugo .263

The switch-hitting Lowrie batted .222 vs. right-handed pitching (54 K's) and .338 vs. left-handed pitching (14 K's).

The right-handed Lugo hit both the same (.271 vs. RHP, .269 vs. LHP)

In conclusion:

Lowrie turns 25 in April. He handled his rookie year like a pro and there is no reason not to expect improvement. He is more clutch than Lugo, and a better fielder.

Lugo, 33, may play the "Coco Crisp role" this year. He will get playing time, but it may not be everyday. Yes, he's overpaid, but the Red Sox handle that.

Lugo can not only spell Lowrie, but he also plays short when Lowrie needs to put his flexibility to use (and play third or second).

Epilogue:

Expect to see Argenis Diaz in Boston by the end of the year. Diaz was put on the 40-man roster before last season, the clock is ticking. Boston can't keep him in the minors forever.

Diaz will begin 2009 in Portland, but should be a September call-up at the latest. His glove is Major League-ready. His bat has to catch up.

If Lowrie shows he is the real deal, and Diaz can handle major league pitching, then Lugo will be gone before next season.

E-mail this entry to a friend