Lugo rejuvenated by change of scenery; happy to be with Cards

ST. LOUIS -- Julio Lugo is happy again, and that's made all the difference in his baseball world.

Acquired from the Boston Red Sox last week in exchange for outfielder Chris Duncan and a player to be named later, Lugo is hitting .474 (9-for-19) in his first four games with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lugo, who has started two games at shortstop and second base, was not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"It's only been a couple of days, but it's been a great run for me," said the 33-year-old Lugo, a nine-year major league veteran who began his career with Houston in 2000.

Lugo, who won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2007, was designated for assignment July 17 that put an end to his disappointing 2 1/2 -year run with Boston. The Red Sox sent cash considerations to the Cardinals to cover the nearly $13.5 million left on his four-year, $36 million contract he signed in 2006.

Lugo, who hit .284 in 37 games with the Red Sox this year, had fallen behind Nick Green and Jed Lowrie on Boston's depth chart at shortstop. Lugo underwent right knee surgery in March and returned to the lineup April 27 but couldn't return to his old form.

"It was tough because I was in a difficult situation when you can't accomplish the things that you want to do," Lugo said. "I liked it over there. It was nice, but sometimes things don't work out the way you want to. You just turn the page now."

That page turned to St. Louis, where he seems rejuvenated by the change in scenery.

"It's just a matter of being happy," Lugo said. "I was in good shape at the start of the year, but just being here and being able to be yourself and not worry about anything and just play baseball, that's what I like to do. I like to play.

"I didn't get put on waivers because I couldn't play. Things just didn't work out. When I was on waivers, this was the place I wanted to come. Everything came through and I was happy to be here."

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa immediately inserted Lugo into the starting lineup Friday in Philadelphia, and Lugo responded by going 2-for-5 with a home run and triple.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Lugo became the first player with both a triple and home run in his first game for a particular team since Kenny Lofton's debut with San Francisco in 2002.

In his next game Saturday, Lugo went 4-for-5 with two singles, a double and triple.

"He's been outstanding with us," La Russa said. "I don't know what his situation was (in Boston). He had a ring in Boston and was a productive player. They thought well enough of him that they gave him a substantial contract. You try to take guys for what they are with you, right? He's been outstanding."

Lugo promised Cardinal fans will see the best he has to offer.

"I just want to come here and play hard day in and day out," Lugo said. "I'm not one of those guys that are going to give you 80 percent. I'm going to give 100 percent every day."

Rasmus in, Ankiel out

Rookie centerfielder Colby Rasmus was back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the last four games with a bruised left heel.

Rasmus, who receieved a second cortisone injection Monday, batted sixth. He replaced Rick Ankiel, who suffered a slight groin strain Monday.

"I figure give him today and tomorrow, and hopefully, he'll be available," La Russa said. "I think he did it taking a swing or something."

Ankiel, who has a six-game hitting streak, hit .440 (11-for-25) with two home runs, four doubles and five RBIs on the recent road trip.

Ryan=Ozzie?

After shortstop Brendan Ryan helped turn three nifty double plays Monday during St. Louis' 6-1 victory over the Dodgers, La Russa nearly paid Ryan the ultimate compliment in the postgame press conference.

"I don't want to say this too loud because I wasn't here to watch Ozzie (Smith) play," La Russa said. "Ryan's athleticism and the range, I mean, there's got to be some similarities. He's entertaining to watch."

When told of La Russa's near compliment, Ryan was taken aback.

"Whoa," he said with a laugh. "I don't think I belong anywhere near the same sentence as Ozzie. At the position I play its defense first. It's been fun so far, and I just want to really focus and continue to make the routine plays.

"I'm just trying to do the best I can to stay up here and contribute and try to be an everyday guy."

Ryan matched a career-high with four hits Monday. The third-year shortstop leads the Cardinals in starts at short with 51.

Greene(r) pastures?

Khalil Greene had four hits Monday and is hitting .333 in 13 games with Memphis. On a rehabilitation stint as he copes with social anxiety disorder, Greene's rehab option expires Friday.

La Russa said a decision on Greene's future with the club is forthcoming.

"I think Mo (general manager John Mozeliak) and I are going to talk about it here in a little while," La Russa said in his office prior to Tuesday's game with the Dodgers.