Fans of sports betting are counting the days until Opening Day 2010, just a few short weeks away. While the sportsbooks stay busy prognosticating, many teams are looking to make personnel adjustments before the start of regular season play.
The Baltimore Orioles have announced the acquisition of Julio Lugo from the Cardinals, pending MLB approval. Reports indicate that the Cardinals will receive a player to be named later. The Orioles will pay Lugo the league minimum, with the Red Sox paying the remainder of the tab - some $8.6 million.
Lugo will provide the team with backup for Brian Roberts, who had problems with back spasms earlier in the spring. He can also provide backup for the O's at shortstop. Sportsbook insiders have pointed out that the deal means that Robert Andino or Ty Wigginton could be on the move. Lugo was deemed unnecessary for the Cardinals after their signing of Felipe Lopez.
The Orioles have also reported they have granted catcher Chad Moeller his request to be released. The move comes after the Orioles signed Moeller to a minor league deal in December, but recently went with Craig Tatum in the backup role for Matt Wieters. Moeller reportedly asked for his release after refusing a minor league assignment.
