The Colorado Rockies have acquired their starting second baseman for 2012, acquiring Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Clayton Mortensen, as first reported by Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Scutaro, 36, was the starting shortstop for Boston in 2011 and was productive with the bat, finishing with a .299/.358/.423. The veteran is projected to bat second for Colorado (in front of Carlos Gonzalez) and also provides good depth at SS in case Troy Tulowitzki goes down with injury. With his acquision, the Rockies Opening Day lineup appears nearly set.
Money seems to be a major factor in Boston's motivation behind the trade, as Scutaro is owed $6 million for the 2012 season. The Red Sox are likely to become active in the starting pitching market, pursuing one of the few impact arms remaining like Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson.
Mortensen, 26, was a member of the Colorado Rockies organization for just one season. The right handed starting pitcher was acquired last offseason from the Oakland Athletics. The former first round selection bounced between AAA and the majors in 2011, throwing 58.1 innings for Colorado with a 3.86 ERA. He provides the Red Sox with another option at the back end of the rotation.
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