The Colorado Rockies are out of the playoff race and have certainly become willing sellers heading into MLB's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but finding the right deal for veteran talent will be key for the franchise. Marco Scutaro has been solid for the Rockies during 2012 -- posting a .271/.324/.359 line over 411 plate appearances -- and now that he is in the last year of his contract contending teams could find his versatility and short-term financial impact appealing for the stretch run.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics have all expressed interest in acquiring Scutaro, and now it's about which team can meet Colorado's needs for (a) a solid prospect or (b) a fringe prospect along with some financial relief.
Here is what Heyman had to offer on Scutaro as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches:
With the coveted Cuddyer all but certain to stay, the most likely trade candidates (in order of likelihood to go) are Marco Scutaro, Jason Giambi, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Reynolds and Jonathan Herrera.
The Rays, Nationals, Giants, Rangers and A's are all among teams believed to show interest in Scutaro, who probably won't go until deadline day. The Rockies would like either a bona fide prospect back, or a fringey one with the acquiring team paying all of Scutaro's contract.
The organization's move to acquire Jonathan Sanchez hasn't done much to inspire the confidence of the fans, but if Colorado can get a solid prospect for Scutaro that might start to turn the tide of public opinion.
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