The Baltimore Orioles continue to shape their roster in preparations for Opening Day. That process moved ahead on Thursday, when the Orioles made a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for Julio Lugo.
Lugo killed the O’s when he played for Tampa Bay, but has bounced around the last few years. He was traded to St. Louis after he didn’t meet expectations in Boston, but wasn’t going to be on the Cardinals after losing his position to Felipe Lopez.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Baltimore designated Michael Aubrey for assignment. Aubrey has battled injuries most of spring training and his chances of making the team were slim after the signing of Garrett Atkins. Also, Aubrey, at this point, is probably behind Brandon Snyder and maybe even Rhyne Hughes.
The other player likely to be impacted by the Lugo acquisition is Robert Andino. Andino hasn’t been impressive so far and his defense hasn’t been very good. His role on the team would be a defensive specialist to back up Cesar Izturis and Brian Roberts. Andino was serviceable last season when Izturis was on the disabled list, but he doesn’t provide enough offense to be the utility player on the O’s.
Ty Wigginton would appear to be the other player in danger of losing his roster spot, but he can play all the infield positions and is a decent hitter. Wigginton most likely will be on the 25-man roster and help wherever Dave Trembley needs him.
I’m not wild about Lugo, but at least, unlike Andino, he’s a proven commodity that will probably be around for just this season.
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