Gonzalez A-Go-Go

Lugo. Julio Lugo. He's the new buzzword for trade rumors involving the Red Sox, and there's a contingent of fans salivating at picking up his Devil Ray. The response from the larger group of fans is: "Why?", and it's a good question. In my opinion, there is no reason that the Red Sox should pursue a trade to land them Lugo, and here's why.

The biggest argument in favor of Lugo coming to Boston is his offense. At the moment, Gonzalez is hitting well above his career AVG (.276 to .244) and is currently riding a career-high OBP (.320 to .294). Compare these numbers to Lugo, who's currently hitting .310/.374 (.279/.343 career), and to boot has four more home runs, four fewer strikeouts, and six more walks on the season.

We all knew coming into the season that Gonzo was going to be an offensive liability, but his defensive upside was seen as more than enough to counter this dead weight on the lineup. He started the season struggling, showing everyone that he was really good at striking out or flying out with runners on base when it was time for the bottom part of the lineup to produce. Funny thing is, though, that he's been able to turn it around dramatically over the last month or so. Instead of batting around .2000, he's pulled his AVG closer to .300. There are a number of possible reasons that help explain this upswing. First, there's the fact that he's finally hitting in a lineup with some punch to it, a lineup with so many above-average offensive players that there is little to no pressure on him at the plate (individual situations excluded). Second, there's Papa Jack, a hitting coach who has a proven track record off fixing the swings of numerous players, and the poster boy for his successes as a coach is none other than David Ortiz, who no longer gets tied up inside the same way he did in Minnesota, and just happens to be leading the majors in home runs and RBI. Whatever the reason, Alex is producing more than we had reason to expect. Yes, Lugo is an offensive upgrade, but not a huge one.

Defensively there have been numerous discussions concerning the fact that Gonzalez doesn't live up to the hype when under the scrutinizing eye of the ever-evolving defensive metrics: his range isn't great, and he's not the best turner of double-plays. His only plus skill? Soft hands. Lugo's defensive skills are considered to be at least on par or slightly better (especially where range is concerned).

Well, I don't buy it.

Somehow, soft hands has become a marginal tool for rating a defender. How quickly we can forget that Edgar Renteria, just one season ago, got to balls that he had no right to reach, but still miffed 30 times on the season. We all remember Nomar's fantastic off-balance tosses from the hole after his lunging stabs, but what about all the routine balls he kicked around? Gonzo's hands must not be underrated. Alone, his range may be surpassed by other shortstops, but alongside Mike Lowell, the holes on his sides become smaller. His arm is good, and his footwork and acrobatics are nothing short of dance on the infield dirt.

Don't forget that Gonzalez is also a commanding leader on the infield, taking charge when he needs to but knowing how to support his teammates when they're better positioned to make the play. He and Mike Lowell don't talk because they don't need to: they're telepathically linked. Close to seven years side by side in Miami have created and strengthened the type of on-field bond that is almost unheard of in the game today. Were Lugo to come over and displace Gonzalez, there would be unquestionably an adjustment period, and no matter how small that period might be it would still hamstring the best defense in the majors when it's patchwork pitching staff doesn't have that luxury.

This relationship and leadership between Gonzalez and Lowell comes into play not only this year, but next year as well. It is likely that Mark Loretta will not be retained for the 2007 campaign, and that 2004 draftee and current PawSox Dustin Pedroia will be up with the Big Club. Who better to teach the new kid the ropes than, in my mind, the best defensive left side in baseball?

Sure, Lugo could hit a few more dongs and work a few more walks, but Gonzalez's value to the 2006 Red Sox goes beyond his bat, and even manages to go beyond his glove. Breaking up that left side would be like DePodesta breaking up the best defensive middle infield (Izturis/Cora) and inserting Lumberjack Jeff Kent at second because of his bat. How did that work?

But of course, you didn't need me to tell you any of these things, did you? You've watched the games, you've seen the plays. The numbers can't cover your eyes completely, and they can't represent the significance of turning the double play with the bases loaded, one out and a one run lead in the bottom of the sixth inning and with the four-hole hitter at the plate.

I love the numbers when they're appropriate, but do me a favor.

Trust your eyes on this one.