The Sox inked Marco Scutaro to a 2 year deal worth $12.5 million. The deal includes a third year option that, if exercised, would raise the total value to $17 million. If they do not pick up the option, there is a $3 million player option or $1.5 million buy out. Based on these numbers, Scutaro could earn as little as $14 million over 2 years or as much as $18.5 over three. The team did fairly well here to not delve into another long-term contract with a shortstop as it has burned them in the past.
What will Scutaro bring to the table?
Offensively, Scutaro will make the Red Sox line-up longer. He batted leadoff last year in Toronto where he had a .379 OBP and walked an amazing 90 times (7th in the league). With Ellsbury and Pedroia sure to be at the top of the order, Marco will more than likely occupy the eighth or ninth spot. Also, his doubles power (35 last year) has the potential to improve with the Green Monster as an aid. Yes, he had a career year last year, but the fact he saw the ball better and got on base at a good clip is encouraging for his long term outlook.
Defensively, Scutaro found a home at shortstop over recent years. In 143 games last season he made only 10 errors ( 621 chances) which resulted in a reliable .984 fielding %. His range was above average too, and while he won't be Alex Gonzalez, he will NOT be Edgar Rentaria or Julio Lugo.
What now?
The Sox need a power bat. Here's a projected line-up looks like this:
CF Ellsbury
2B Pedroia
C Martinez
1B Youkilis
LF ??????
DH Ortiz
3B Lowell
RF Drew
SS Scutaro
Jason Bay's return is questionable as he declined a 4 year, $60 million deal and the Sox are a bit reluctant to provide him with more years or more money. The team believes strongly in their value system and Bay's salary demands may be slightly more than what the team is comfortable paying. Matt Holliday is the only other bonafide power name on the open market. The Sox either need to plug the LF whole with a bat, or get creative and move Lowell to open up a spot at 1B (with Youk moving to 3rd).
What does this mean for Jed Lowrie?
Jed Lowrie's development has been stunted by wrist injuries which has led to inconsistent playing time. Lowrie will either stick around as a super utility guy (he can play 2B/3B), or return to Pawtucket to receive consistent playing time. A two year deal doesn't close the book on Jed's Red Sox career necessarily, but 19-year old Cuban defector Jose Iglesias could potentially be ready at the commencement of Scutaro's deal too. As you may remember from earlier posts, Iglesias' defense has been compared to that of Ozzie "The Wizard" Smith, but he has a lot of work to do at the plate.
The hot stove is just heating up, as the MLB's winter meetings kick off Monday in Indianapolis.
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