At ESPN.COM, Jerry Crasnick gives his latest edition of Starting 9.

Crasnick lists the top 9 players who have come to life after very slow starts.  Red Sox SS Julio Lugo is on the list at #7.  Mets OF Lastings Milledge comes in at #9. 

Meanwhile, Phillies OF Pat Burrel comes in at #1.  Yankees OF Bobby Abreu is on at #4.

Lugo has really improved over the course of the season.  While his struggles in the field continue, his offense has improved a whole lot.  He was once struggling to hit .190.  Now he's keeping his average around .240.  That is far from great, but he's been a lot more productive of late.  Lugo has overall been more productive than Drew, but has suffered more heat.  Hopefully, Lugo continues to produce.  Before this season and through a part of it, I thought Milledge would be traded.  His rap album info came out in May and he then got injured.  Gomez proved he can play in the bigs and it was apparent that the Mets were not too thrilled with Lastings.  However, they kept him and it appears that was an excellent move.  Milledge has been very productive, and despite ridiculous criticizm against him, has added a ton of excitement to this team...a team that desperately needs excitement.