Offseason Changes: Marco Scutaro’s Option

The month of November is right around the corner which means the hot stove is being stoked up in what is sure to be a hot and fierce free agency period.  As we continue to examine the Red Sox potential offseason changes, we look at shortstop Marco Scutaro. 

Scutaro is coming off a year in which he produced career highs in most offensive categories and was one of the few who produced in September.

He’s now fulfilled his two-year contract with the Red Sox with the third being an option year.  As the free-agency period lingers, should the Red Sox pick up the option on Scutaro and keep him for one more year?

The 2011 season saw Scutaro produce his highest averages in batting (.299), OBP (.358), SLG (.423) and OPS (.781).  He did play in 113 games this year and did miss some time due to injury.  Between him and Jed Lowrie, they split the shortstop position to start the season, but when Lowrie’s health once again became an issue, the shortstop slot became Scutaro’s permanently. 

Scutaro’s option is worth $6 million for next season and should the Red Sox decide not bring back Scuts he’s then owed a $1.5 million dollar buyout.  Is he worth $4.5 million for one year?

Take into consideration that the shortstop of the future, Jose Iglesias still needs some seasoning at the AAA level, suddenly Scutaro’s services are deemed to be quite valuable. 

Iglesias has shown that his defensive skills are already at the big level.  In fact it often looks like a ball rebounding off of a rubber wall when it’s hit to him, that’s how quick and smooth he is with his glove.  But it’s the offensive side that needs development with Iglesias.  He struggled to hit consistently above the mendosa line in Pawtucket and has all to often chased pitches well outside the strike zone.  One more year in the minors will serve Iglesias well and give him a chance to hone his skills.

Another option for shortstop should Scutaro not come back is Jed Lowrie.  But the big concern around Lowrie is the afore mentioned health issues.  He has yet to stay healthy for an entire year and while that may be a tall order for any big leaguer, Lowrie misses considerable amounts of time when he does go down.  He hasn’t proved he is 100% reliable, so to pencil him as the fulltime shortstop for next season is a huge risk and one I don’t think the Sox should make.

Between Scutaro and Lowrie, they can split the duties at short.  Should Kevin Youkilis get traded then suddenly Lowrie and Mike Aviles can handle the third base duties. 

I don’t see newly appointed GM, Ben Cherington, going out and signing free agent shortstop Jose Reyes, nor do I think it’s a good investment.  He’s going to demand a huge contract, most likely around that $15 million per season.  With Iglesias getting close to being Major League ready, those dollars are best spent elsewhere, ie: Jonathan Papelbon. 

So it appears pretty clear on what the best route with Scutaro is to take.  Exercise the option on him and at $6 million, you’re getting a consisent bat and above average shortstop.  Someone who can keep the number six position warm until the future arrives.

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