The Emergence of Julio Lugo

What a difference a few weeks makes! Just before the All-Star break Julio Lugo, had gone hitless in 33 straight at bats, and people were calling for a shortstop deal at the deadline. Others had said Alex Cora should become the everyday guy. Fast-forward to today, where Lugo's single yesterday afternoon against the Chicago White Sox, allowed him to continue his season best hitting streak of 12 games.

Earlier in the week Lugo thanked the fans in an interview about his recent success "I want to thank the fans for not giving up on me" he said. To the winner goes the spoils, as the fans said a thank you of their own on Friday night, after Lugo delivered a Grand Slam to break open a 6-3 game in the 8th inning. As he rounded third he was hoisted into the air by Manny Ramirez, and then received a rare curtain call at Fenway Park. He emerged from the dugout and acknowledged the Fenway Faithful with a two handed point.

It was a moment that couldn't have been scripted any better. Now it doesn't look like Lugo will be headed for a new zip code anytime soon. It just goes to show that when you stick with character guys, like Lugo, Mike Lowell, and Coco Crisp, that the team will be much better off. The Sox broke out of their slump this weekend which had previously allowed the Yankees to get within 7.5 games, and it appears as they head out on the road today against Cleveland that the team is finally clicking on all cylinders.

Side Note: Welcome back Jon Lester!! This could be the feel good story of the season, as the 23 year old southpaw takes the hill in Cleveland tonight. How effective he will be remains to be seen, but after last years battle with cancer, Red Sox Nation can't wait to see Jon Lester back on the mound.

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