Five months later, we see a player who took over the leadoff role when Jacoby Ellsbury went down and has created a formidable plate presence. He's also associated with an awesome Phil Collins song.
Even though Red Sox Nation didn't roll out the welcome mat for this quiet infielder acquired from Toronto, they're singing his praises now.
Scutaro's batting .273 on the year with a .336 on base percentage and .376 slugging, making him one of the best shortstops the Red Sox have seen since the Nomar days. Based upon opinions set at the start of the 2010 season, has Scutaro exceeded your expectations this year?
Fielding and consistent hitting aside, no one expected this guy to carry a big bat. But this season, Scutaro has definitely come up with explosive hits for the Red Sox when they least expected it. He has already hit seven homeruns on the year, and is on pace to pass his record set last season with the Blue Jays when he smacked twelve. His second career grand slam came on July 28, breaking a 3-3 tie in the top of the eighth against the Angels to lift the team to a 7-3 victory. Not bad for the sprightly shortstop.
His versatility has been immeasurable for the Red Sox in a season where there have been more downs than ups. Scutaro was immediately thrust into the leadoff position just two weeks into the season after a collision with Adrian Beltre sent Ellsbury to the DL. Then when Ellsbury came back for a teaser in May, Scutaro was fine with heading back to the bottom of the lineup again, happy to contribute anywhere he could on the roster. And the best part about it, is that he continued to deliver from wherever he was placed.
Though he's running through a bit of an August slump, Scutaro stepped in when the Sox were really feeling the ache of injuries. He batted .314 in June and .271 in July with five homers and 25 RBIs. Those contributions from the plate definitely helped fill the offensive void left by the Dustin Pedroia and Victor Martinez injuries.
When the choice was made back in December of 2009, fans sported mixed feelings about the Scutaro acquisition, feeling either extremely optimistic or extremely ticked off at the decision. How do you feel now, Fenway faithful? Are you surprised to be singing along with Scu-Scu-Scutaro?
Share your thoughts below.
Aug. 10: With Toronto's Jose Bautista Leading Majors in Homers, Is Steroid Era Officially Over?
