The Boston Red Sox were looking to slash salary and the Colorado Rockies were looking for a proven second basemen so the two teams filled each others needs Saturday when the Red Sox dealt shortstop Marco Scutaro to the Rockies for right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen.
Boston has depth at that position with Mike Aviles and Nick Punto expected to split time at the position until prospect Jose Iglesias is ready to take over on a permanent basis. Punto has value as a $1 end game pick in AL-only auctions if you need to get 10-15 stolen bases from an infield spot. Aviles figures to see time against left-handed pitching after hitting .318 against southpaws in 85 at bats in 2011.
For the Rockies, this solves their dilemma at second base and also give Scutaro a slight bump in value with the move to Coors Field, plus he is expected to hit second in the Colorado lineup which should give him a boost in runs scored as well.
Losers in the trade from a fantasy perspective are Jonathan Herrera, D.J. LeMahieu and Eric Young Jr. who were all looking to get time at second base this season and now all three are guaranteed of a reserve role.
