Scutaro Signs as New Red Sox Shortstop

The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays have effectively traded shortstops.

Tonight, the Red Sox signed Marco Scutaro to a two-year contract pending a physical. Scutaro has spent the last two seasons in Toronto. Prior to 2009, Scutaro had been a utility player but Jays manager Cito Gaston tapped Scutaro as his every day shortstop. Scutaro responded with a career highs in batting average (.282) and home runs (12).

Last week, the Jays signed Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract. Gonzalez split the 2009 season with the Cincinnati Reds and the Red Sox. The Sox obtained Gonzalez from the Reds in August for minor league shortstop Kristopher Negron. Gonzalez also played for the Red Sox in 2006.

Earlier this week, the Red Sox were entertaining the idea of moving second baseman Dustin Pedroia to short. It was an idea to which Pedroia was receptive. Although Scutaro could play second it appears he will be the Red Sox seventh shortstop since Nomar Garciaparra was traded more than five years ago.

I cannot help but think that Scutaro had a career year with the bat in 2009. But he should be a serviceable shortstop for the next two seasons. Top Red Sox prospect Jose Iglesias is projected to become the new Nomar by 2012. Or so Theo Epstein hopes.