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Marco Scutaro

Blue Jays Offer Arb To Scutaro, Barajas

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The Blue Jays offered arbitration to free agents Marco Scutaro (A) and Rod Barajas (B), tweets Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. 

Most believe Scutaro will turn down the offer in search of a multiyear contract.  If so, the team signing him will have to give up a draft pick.  The Jays could net two picks for Scutaro and one for Barajas, assuming both turn down the arb offers by December 7th.

Keep this in mind with Scutaro – while he is a Type A, his 83.069 number is outranked by Rafael Soriano, John Lackey, Mike Gonzalez, Johnny Damon, Jason Bay, Jose Valverde, and Matt Holliday.  It is possible the Blue Jays will not receive a first-round pick for Scutaro, instead getting a second or even third-rounder along with their supplemental pick.

Olney On Scutaro, Barajas, Johnson

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The Toronto Blue Jays will almost certainly offer arbitration to Marco Scutaro and Rod Barajas, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. In today's blog entry, Olney applauds the work being done by GM Alex Anthopolous, who will secure the team three compensation picks if Scutaro and Barajas sign elsewhere, as is expected.

Rather than re-signing Scutaro and Barajas, the Jays are attempting to replace their departing players with comparable options. Signing Alex Gonzalez and pursuing catchers like Yorvit Torrealba allows the team to avoid downgrading too significantly, while earning them compensation draft picks at the same time.

Within the same piece, Olney explains the reasoning behind the Marlins' reluctance to deal Josh Johnson this winter, comparing the situation to the Indians' handling of Cliff Lee. If Florida starts strong in 2010, Johnson will help them contend. If they fall out of the playoff race, however, they could potentially trade the right-hander before next year's deadline and still demand a significant return.

Olney also mentions that extension talks between Johnson and the Marlins hit a snag because the 25-year-old is looking for at least four guaranteed years, and the club didn't want to guarantee that fourth year.

Odds & Ends: Scutaro, Astros, Messenger, Selig

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A few more Saturday evening links….

Rangers Not Searching For Third Baseman

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Despite a report earlier today inferring that the Rangers may be considering signing Marco Scutaro to play third base, GM Jon Daniels told Evan Grant of the Dallas News that they are not looking to squeeze out Michael Young:

"We haven't inquired about anyone for 3B and have no plans to," Daniels wrote in an email. "End of story."

While Scutaro is a favorite of manager Ron Washington, the club has no place in the starting lineup for him.

Scutaro Prefers The Dodgers And Red Sox

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1:13pm: In a slight correction to his article, Bastian says that the Mariners and Rangers have contacted the 34-year-old, but not necessarily about playing third base (via Twitter).

11:32am: Free agent Marco Scutaro is said to prefer the Dodgers and Red Sox because they give him the best chance to make the postseason, according to a report by Augusto Cardenas of Diaro Panorama, which was passed along by MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times has a quote from Scutaro on the situation:

"Boston is interested, like the Dodgers, Seattle and Texas,'' Scutaro said. "They have just called to say they have interest, but they haven't made an offer yet.

"The Dodgers want me to play second base, shortstop in Boston, and there are other teams who have called to play third. Although not close the doors, I would rather be between short and second.''

Bastian adds that Scutaro hasn't ruled out a return to Toronto, though the Jays will offer the Type-A free agent arbitration so they can receive two draft picks if he heads elsewhere. Baker mentions that the Mariners and Texas have contacted Scutaro about playing third, which makes you wonder what would happen with Michael Young.

Odds & Ends: Scutaro, Fielder, Bowden

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Some links on this Friday evening:

  • Daniel Barbarisi of The Providence Journal talks about the Red Sox shortstop search and concludes that Marco Scutaro is their best option.  The article mentions a few other possibilities, including Brewers infielder Felipe Lopez.  The 30-year-old is coming off of a career year but hasn't played shortstop regularly since 2007, when he posted a UZR/150 of -12.3.
  • In a column for CBSSports.com, Larry Dobrow lays out his suggestions for the Brewers this winter.  Dowbrow urges the club to lay the groundwork for a Prince Fielder deal and cash in their trade chips, Corey Hart and Mat Gamel.
  • Hey American League fans, ever wonder what Jim Bowden would do if he were your team's GM?  Well, wonder no more because with the help of his Amazing Technicolor Dreamtie, he lays out the moves he would make for several AL teams for FOX Sports.  Amongst other things, Bowden pushes the Yankees to beat Boston to the punch and deal Joba Chamberlain, Brett Gardner, and Ian Kennedy to the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay.

Red Sox Destined To Sign Scutaro?

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The BoSox have "virtually no choice" but to sign free agent Marco Scutaro, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Toronto's signing of Alex Gonzalez means that the 34-year-old is now, by default, their most attractive option.  There aren't a ton of quality shortstops available via trade either.  Unsurprisingly, we've already heard reports this week of strong interest from both parties.

Signing Scutaro would mean surrendering a high draft pick to Toronto as he is a Type A free agent.  It could also mean giving the versatile veteran a three-year offer rather than the two-year pact that Boston would prefer.  

Is inking MLBTR's eighth ranked free agent worth the price?  Are there better – but perhaps less obvious – options out there for the Red Sox?

Blue Jays Rumors: Scutaro, Cabrera, Brignac

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Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail has the latest on the Blue Jays in the aftermath of this morning's signing:

  • The Blue Jays will offer Marco Scutaro salary arbitration. Blair hears indications that the shortstop may have a three-year deal coming his way.
  • The Jays made a serious run at Orlando Cabrera, but decided against a deal since it would have taken a commitment of about $12MM and two years. The Jays like Cabrera, but have concerns about the former Gold Glover's range and arm.
  • Cabrera's agent is telling teams that his client is ready to play second base. The Twins may have interest in re-signing Cabrera to play second.
  • The Jays spoke to the Rays about Reid Brignac, but felt Tampa was asking for too much.
  • Blair wonders if Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos will try to trade Gonzalez at next summer's trade deadline if the shortstop starts the year well.

Blue Jays Agree To Sign Alex Gonzalez

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11:09am: The Red Sox were prepared to offer Gonzalez a one-year deal worth $3MM, according to Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe, but the shortstop chose to accept the Jays' offer instead of waiting for the Red Sox to explore other options.

10:11am: The Jays will pay Gonzalez $2.75MM in 2010, according to Bastian. They also hold a $2.5MM option for his services in 2011.

10:07am: MLB.com's Jordan Bastian hears it's a one-year deal with a club option for 2011. We don't know the numbers yet, but Bastian says an announcement could come soon. 

9:24am: The Blue Jays agreed to sign Alex Gonzalez to a one-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The combination of Gonzalez and John McDonald makes it hard to envision a deal with free agent Marco Scutaro, though the club may still offer arbitration to obtain draft picks for the Type A free agent. Gonzalez was not a ranked free agent, so the Jays don't have to forfeit picks and the Red Sox don't obtain any.

Gonzalez, 32, hit .238/.279/.355 for the Reds and Red Sox last year, but he played tremendous defense, as usual, according to UZR/150. Longtime Blue Jays fans will experience deja vu next year – the other Alex Gonzalez played short for the Jays from 1994-2001.

Red Sox “At Or Near” The Top Of Scutaro’s List

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The Red Sox are eyeing Marco Scutaro and, according to the Boston Herald, the interest is mutual. The shortstop's agent, Peter Greenberg, told Michael Silverman and John Tomase that Scutaro likes the idea of playing in Boston.

“Boston is at or near the top of Marco’s list of where to sign," Greenberg said. "But quite a few teams have expressed interest.”

Greenberg says his client will remain in contact with a number of teams, even though he has "a lot" of interest in the Red Sox. Boston is likely more comfortable with a two year deal than a three-year deal, since they have 19-year-old prospect Jose Iglesias in the minors.

Scutaro is a Type A free agent, so he will cost a top draft pick if he turns down the Blue Jays' arbitration offer. Talks with the Jays have stalled for now, and it would be a surprise to see Scutaro accept arbitration. The Red Sox could receive compensation picks if their Type A free agents (Jason Bay and Billy Wagner) sign elsewhere, which could make losing a top pick palatable.

Scutaro's contact skills and versatility make him perhaps the most appealing shortstop available via free agency or trade, though he turned 34 last month.

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