Cardinals send Duncan to Boston

In the same day, the Cardinals optioned Chris Duncan to Triple-A Memphis, then they traded the outfielder to the Red Sox for veteran infielder Julio Lugo and cash considerations Wednesday.

Just a couple of days ago, manager Tony LaRussa was telling reporters how he was tired of Duncan being used as a scapegoat.  It made him sick to the point he wanted to "vomit" in LaRussa’s words.

Duncan, in my mind was useless.  The only thing he had going for him was his bat.  He was always a defensive liability and once his hitting went down the tubes, I think the Cardinals were very patient with Duncan.

Lugo was hitting .284 for Boston, but he suffered a leg injury last year and he never quite got back his defensive range.