Red Sox Trade Scutaro To Rockies

"Over the weekend, the Red Sox sent shortstop Marco Scutaro to Colorado for Clayton Mortensen. The right-hander posted a 3.86 ERA with 4.6 K/9, 3.7 BB/9 and a 52.7% ground ball rate in 58 1/3 innings for relief for the Rockies in 2011 and may prove useful in Boston. If not, at least the Red Sox avoided the $1.5MM buyout on Scutaro’s $6MM option and moved him without taking on salary (MLBTradeRumors)."

Most people seem to think the Red Sox did this, so they can turn around and make another move like sign Roy Oswalt, or trade for Gavin Floyd. Sorry, I'm not sold. I think this was made only so they did not have to pay the $7.67 million in luxury tax, and for no other reason. I want them to prove me wrong, and use this money for something they need, but I have my doubts. I really like Scutaro, I thought he was on of the few guys that showed up to play last year, and the year before he played hurt for them all year. I don't mind the del at all IF they use the money, but if this was just to keep their bar tab down, I'm pissed.

Latest On The Race For Cuddyer

The Twins have signed Josh Willingham, which basically takes them out of the race for Cuddyer. There are rumors that the the Rockies have made an offer and it is believed to be in the 3 year, $25-27 million range that the Twins were offering before they ended up signing Willingham.

The Rockies have also been linked to Beltran, so it'll be interesting to see who they end up signing, but I do believe they will end up getting one of these two guys. Another team that has jumped into the Cuddyer bidding is the Mariners, who are just dying to get some offense.

As far as I know the Red Sox haven't made any offers... Shocking.

Padres Acquire Huston Street

"The Padres found their Heath Bell replacement, acquiring closer Huston Street from the division-rival Rockies for a minor leaguer (some suggest a player to be named later)."

Yet another closer the Red Sox will no longer have a shot at. I really wonder who they are going to get. As DP pointed out earlier they seem to be going after Bailey, which I think could be a decent fit. If Bard and Aceves are really going to the rotation the Red Sox need to make bullpen help their #1 priority.