Both teams rid themselves of non-contributors when the St. Louis Cardinals sent slumping outfielder Chris Duncan (1-for-32 since June 29) to the minors and later to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for deposed and oft-injured shortstop Julio Lugo, who long ago lost his job and was designated for assignment a few days ago.
The move could reshape the Cardinals' lineup in a positive way. Lugo could end up seeing significant time at second base, perhaps moving Skip Schumaker back to the outfield.
Schumaker was moved to second base this spring, but his defense has been lacking. Most defensive rating systems have Schumaker at the bottom of the pack, and that really shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.
Plus, left field hasn't exactly been a productive position for the Cardinals. Rick Ankiel and Nick Stavinoha have seen the most time out there lately, but Ankiel hasn't been the same since banging his shoulder in a scary collision with Busch Stadium's centerfield wall while making a catch in a May 4 loss to Philadelphia. Since then, he's hit .188 with three home runs in 149 at-bats.
Playing Lugo at second would certainly solidify the Redbirds' infield defense, and left field is Schumaker's best position.
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