ROX, SOX DEAL: SCUTARO FOR MORTENSEN
The Colorado Rockies acquired second baseman Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Clayton Mortensen.
What does it give the Colorado Rockies
The Rox have focused this off-season on adding quality veteran position players, and Scutaro is a nice move with that in mind. A patient hitter with a bit of speed, Scutaro is expected to take over as Colorado's regular second baseman and should slot in nicely at the No. 2 spot in the batting order behind Dexter Fowler and ahead of Carlos Gonzalez. He may also bat some leadoff if Fowler falters. This move adds a fairly large chunk of payroll but should help stabilize the team's batting order, middle infield and clubhouse. Look for Jonathan Herrera and Chris Nelson to now compete for utility at-bats.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Boston is essentially dropping payroll here, moving roughly $6 million in Scutaro to free up cash for other positions of need (especially their starting rotation). While likely replacements Mike Aviles and Nick Punto aren't as proven offensively (nor is top shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias), financial flexibility obviously is the objective here for the Red Sox. Mortensen is a former first-round pick (2007 by St. Louis) who quietly showed some improvement in 2011 and may get some starts in 2012. That said, look for Mortensen to pitch in long relief (or in the minors) for much of this coming season.
Fantasy impact
