With the newly acquired middle/utility infielder, Marco Scutaro, the Boston Red Sox have opened up some options on what to do with their team in 2010. The stove is piping hot and there are multiple moves we can make after this signing.
Scutaro's Versatility
Marco Scutaro is an all around infielder, being played at second, third and shortstop while in Toronto. Also a reason why Scutaro played on my fantasy team last season up until his injury late in the season. Of his 8 seasons in the majors, Marco Scutaro's 2009 season was statistically his best offensive performance of his career.
Defensively, Scutaro has played everywhere except for catcher in at least 3 games with a career .981 fielding percentage. Although Marco hasn't played full time up until last season, he fits the mold of someone playing in Boston. Scutaro is a guy that will go anywhere on the field to help the team and produce at the plate as well.
What Does This Do For The Red Sox Infield?
As I've tried to design a Red Sox lineup in the past, I can again see how our team can field defensively after acquiring Marco Scutaro (this is not a batting order, simply defensive positioning):
C - Victor Martinez
1B - Mike Lowell
2B - Dustin Pedroia
3B - Kevin Youkilis
SS - Marco Scutaro
LF - Jason Bay*
CF - Jacoby Ellsbury
RF - JD Drew
*Jason Bay may not sign with the Red Sox when all is said and done. The Sox offered him a contract and I think he will go elsewhere for bigger money. That being said, we also offered him the lesser contract because we're going to make a move at Matt Holliday and have him in left field if we get him (fingers crossed).
The Halladay Season
The final move the Sox can make, which at that point wouldn't be as necessary, would be to get involved with Toronto in the Roy Halladay talks. I'm not sure if we would make an attempt to bring Doc to Boston, but now that we have just signed one of his former teammates, I'm sure it would be a nice gesture to make him comfortable in Boston if he were to join the Sox as well. Coincidence? Doubt it. Smart management.
Thanks to Keith Allison for the photo of Marco Scutaro.
