Julio Lugo had a memorable afternoon in Toronto today, committing three errors, going 0-4 at the plate, and popping up to end the game with runners on first and third — when a three-run home run would have tied it. Afterwards, we asked Lugo (via telepathy) how today’s game ranked on his all-time list of piss-poor outtings.

Lugo — "I shouldn’t have even bothered to wake up today."

Us — "One could argue that you didn’t."

So, the Red Sox’ 175,000-mile road trip will soon be over, and Boston can slink back to Beantown to face the Detroit Tigers, who’ve been playing Julio Lugo-like ball all season. So, something has to give, right?

In Lugo’s defense, he didn’t exactly let us down on Sunday. I mean, no one expected him to hit a three-run home run. This is Julio Lugo, after all – the only regular from last year’s championship team who built up NO goodwill with fans. Given that, you’d think the guy would work a little harder to do the little things right. Say, setting his feet on routine grounders and not flipping the ball across the diamond like he’s Omar Vizquel in an Old-Timers’ Game?

With J.D. Drew’s respectable early-season productivity (ya know, when he actually plays),  fans will soon be looking for a new scapegoat, especially if the Sox’ lackluster start continues. Sure, the bullpen has been dreadful, and I never thought I’d be hankering for the return of Mike Timlin at this stage of his career, but fans will want position-player blood if the Sox keep playing uninspired ball. Granted, it’s early, and I’m not really concerned about a single thing (except my tax return), but the Red Sox just got swept by the Blue Jays and Shaun Marcum. Now the Tigers are coming to town for three, followed by the Yankees. Yeah, I know the team’s exhausted, but it’s time to start doing some good; and Julio Lugo needs to do his part. He can start by setting his freaking feet and completing a simple freaking throw to first.

*Sigh.* When’s Tuesday get here?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited for Opening Day Part IX, but when the World Series rings are handed out in two days, I won’t be surprised when Lugo receives the quietest ovation (if any) from the hometown fans.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES
* I watched the game on TBS here in Connecticut, and was treated to Chip Caray referring to Big Papi as "Manny Ortiz" in the first inning.
* Since I usually get all my games through the MLB Xtra Innings Package, I haven’t listened to Remy and Orsillo call a single game yet. That all ends Tuesday starting at 2:05, when the three of us get drunk for the home opener.
* Jacoby Ellsbury has still not been caught stealing in his major league career. He’s 9 for 9, including squat for squat in 2008.

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