Three years and $24 million.
That’s what ESPN’s Buster Olney says about where the current bidding on free agent infielder Marco Scutaro has gone.
Bidding on Marco Scutaro said to have reached something in the range of 3 years, $24 million; SF viewed as frontrunner by source involved.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 4, 2012
Scutaro produced an .859 OPS in 61 games with the Gianst last season. Image: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
For a 37-year-old player who didn’t become an everyday player until his early thirties, this seems excessive. Even for a guy who was so valuable to the World Champion San Francisco Giants down the stretch.
Scutaro can play second, third, or short effectively and on an everyday basis and he brings a professional approach at the plate. Nicknamed “Blockbuster” by his Giants teammates after being acquired from Colorado, Scutaro was immensely popular with in the clubhouse. According to Jon Morosi, he’s just as popular at the Winter Meetings.
We know about the Cardinals’ interest and the Giants are working hard to re-sign Scutaro. Most consider the Giants the favorites to finalize a deal with their second baseman. The Yankees could be involved as well, while the Phillies and White Sox have needs at third base that Scutaro could potentially fill.
He’s a very solid player, but he is unspectacular both at the plate and in the field. There certainly is a value in having no significant flaws in your game, even if your game is also without any significant “plus” tools. Is that value $8 million per season for three years? For a 37-year-old utility man?
That much sounds crazy.