In September, Julio Lugo said being a Met “would be a dream come true.” Despite the Mets’ offseason interest in the Brooklyn-raised Lugo, he eventually woke up as a member of the Red Sox… Lugo, Boston’s new starting shortstop, signed a four-year deal worth a reported $36 million. Although the Mets had been chasing him for years to play second base, Lugo wanted to stay a shortstop, he told the Post Thursday afternoon before Boston’s 4-1 loss to the Mets in Port St. Lucie.

“Well, yeah, we were talking, but unfortunately things didn’t work out the way we wanted it,” he said. “That was one of the biggest things, playing my natural position.”

Lugo, who batted .268 and scored 69 runs in 122 games, left the door open for playing in Flushing after this contract ends.

“You’re always looking forward to playing for a team like the Mets,” he said. “You never say never.”

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I saw Joe McEwing in the Boston clubhouse before the game. Super Joe was a Met from 2000-04, and he was one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever met. He also has one of the strongest handshakes, pound for pound, that I’ve ever experienced.

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While Winthrop is a trendy upset pick to beat Notre Dame, Aaron Heilman thinks his alma mater can take the 11th seed.

“They’ve had an up and down season, but I like our chances,” Heilman said. “They looked pretty good in the Big East Tournament against Georgetown.

“They hung in there, only lost by two points to them. They’re a solid team. And that was the last second, too.

“They play in a tough conference, are used to the big games. I think they’re gonna be ready for them.”