Astros plan to trade or waive Lugo
Compassion fatigue seems to be a defining characteristic of the Houston Astros these days. Rather than trying to help Julio Lugo, they have decided simply cut him loose. Apparently, they are more concerned with bad publicity than the well-being of a shortstop who has been a contributing member of the team for the past four years.
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros either will trade shortstop Julio Lugo or place him on waivers in the coming days, general manager Gerry Hunsicker said Sunday.
Hunsicker, speaking on his weekly radio show on KTRH, said the team has "pretty much eliminated'' the possibility of sending Lugo to the minors. The team designated him for assignment on Thursday, giving officials 10 days to trade, waive or demote their one-time starter.
"We'll either trade his contract or put him on waivers at some point,'' Hunsicker said. "If we reach that point and still haven't been able to dispose of his contract, the final alternative would be to release him.''
Lugo was arrested Wednesday night after a game with the Atlanta Braves, charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly attacking his wife at Minute Maid Park before the game. He spent the night in jail before making bond, then was designated for assignment later Thursday.
Lugo denies striking his wife, and his lawyer has said he believes Lugo has a good case.
The infielder is in his fourth season with the Astros, batting .246 with two RBI in 22 games. Adam Everett has assumed Lugo's role as Houston's starting shortstop.
Lugo may well be guilty of spousal abuse, a crime I would never minimize. Even so, doesn't Lugo deserve the presumption of innocence? Hunsicker may nbe making noises about the public already having convicted Lugo, but the Astros certainly haven't helped that process by turning their backs on him. The Astros have every right to run their business as they see fit, but would it be too much to expect them to support an employee at the time he needs it most? Apparently so.
