When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Alex Gonzalez, it seemed a fait accompli that Marco Scutaro would take his place in Boston, although at a significant cost to the Red Sox financially and in the draft, as Scutaro was a Type-A free agent and the Blue Jays now have a claim on the Red Sox's first-round pick. (That could become a second-round pick if the Red Sox sign another Type-A free agent.) Scutaro is a significant upgrade over Gonzalez because at the plate they couldn't be more different; Gonzalez is an unapologetic hacker while Scutaro is a patient hitter who rarely chases anything out of the zone. Even if Scutaro's 2009 was -- as it appears -- a fluke year at the plate, his offensive advantage over Gonzalez well outweighs the small defensive disadvantage, leaving the Sox better off and with a player who, with some regression, will still represent a good value for his salary.
Advertisement
ESPN Video
- 00:53
Kyle Hendricks' career recap as he agrees to deal with Angels
Check out a quick recap of Kyle Hendricks' career as he agrees to a 1-year deal with the Angels.
- 00:49
Jorge Soler traded to Angels
Check out the numbers behind Jorge Soler's 2024 season as he's traded to the Angels.
- 01:50
Stephen A. putting Yankees' miscues on Aaron Boone after World Series loss
Stephen A. Smith is baffled by the Yankees' fundamental errors and puts them on Aaron Boone after the World Series loss to the Dodgers.