Marco Scutaro - #16 (SS/IF)

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Age: 35, Size: 5'10" 185lbs

Acquired: Signed as a FA on Decc 4, 2009

Contract: $5,000,000 (6 Mil TO/3 Mil PO in 2012)

Comments: Scutaro was originally signed as an IFA by the Indians way back in 1994. He spent 1994-2000 in the Indians' minor leagues when he was put on waivers and acquired by the Brewers during the 2000 season (in the Richie Sexson trade). He was acquired by the Mets off of waivers and made his ML debut at age 26 with the Mets in 2002. After 2 cups off coffee with the Mets he was traded to the A's where he cemented himself as Billy Beane's "super-sub" for 4 seasons. In the 2007 off-season he was trade by the A's for a pair of minor leaguers to the Blue Jays and he finally worked himself into the starting SS role mid-2008. In 2009, Scutaro had a career year with the Jays, posting a career high OPS (0.789), a career high in homers (12) and in stolen bases (14). Scutaro parlayed that year into a 2 year deal with the Red Sox and Boston pencilied him in to their starting SS gig for 2010. Marco posted a decent season in 2010 while battling some injuries. He managed a 0.721 OPS and a 2.1 WAR.

Career Stats:

PA: 3798

BA: 0.267

OBP: 0.336

SLG: 0.385

OPS: 0.721

wOBA: 0.320

WAR: 12.5

HR/SB: 61/40

Unique Facts/Stats: Although Marco's name sounds like it would fit well in a Mafia film, he's actually a native Venezuelan. Scutaro has played every infield position during his ML career.  His 12 homers during the 2009 season were actually a high for any year of professional ball. He had hit 11 homers 3 times in the minors.

Analysis: Scutaro starts the 2011 season as the starting SS for the Red Sox but will likely not end with the position. With the younger/better Lowrie ready to play full time, it remains to be seen how long Marco's name appears on the card beside the SS each day. That said, he is still a valuable resource due to his ability to slot in at 2B/SS and even 3B with solid defense. His role may be reverted back to his A's days as the super-sub.

Projection (James): 0.266/0.339/0.374 - wOBA 0.314 10 HR

Tomorrow: Junichi Tazawa