The Trade Rumor That's Not Going to Die

What is it about that Julio Lugo-for-Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis rumor that is so appealing to the baseball media?  Is it that the deal seems so clever, with salaries that match up so closely?  Is it a fascination with a "swap deal" or challenge trade?  Whatever it is, this is the trade rumor that just isn't going away. 

For the second time in two weeks, Nick Cafardo has mentioned the deal in the Boston Globe, this time taking it further than just a suggestion between himself and Jon Paul Morosi.

They're also contemplating a deal with Boston to send either Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis for Lugo, but some money issues must be resolved.

So... this is something that could really happen?  MLB.com picked up the rumor too, making it one of their headline stories on the front page today.  (Hat tip to our friend pfuhrmeister for the alert.)

I feel like I've already written about this deal enough times - and was all for it when in full "Dump Dontrelle!" mode - but just in case it needs repeating, Lugo batted .268/.355/.330 with one home run and 22 RBIs in 82 games with the Red Sox this past season.  And it's highly arguable as to whether or not he'd be a defensive upgrade.

Oh, and there's this nugget Cafardo also included in his Notes column:

The worst hitter in baseball with runners in scoring position last season?  Drum roll . . . Julio Lugo (.139).

Well, there's something the Tigers could use more of.  Would he be as good at grounding into double plays as Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield or Edgar Renteria were?  (Actually, Lugo grounded into 13 double plays, fewer than each of those three.) 

Red Sox Nation doesn't seem to like this deal either, judging by the comments at our fellow SB Nation site, Over the Monster.  It's interesting to compare their dislike to Tiger Town's, however.