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Report: Red Sox Trade Marco Scutaro to Rockies

The Red Sox have completed their quest to free up some payroll, trading shortstop Marco Scutaro for the Rockies for pitcher Clayton Mortensen, according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden.

Scutaro, 36, will play second base in Colorado, who will also take on his $6 million salary. He had one of his best seasons last year, hitting .299/.358/.423 over 113 games.

Mortensen, 26, has a 5.12 ERA over his three-year career, which includes stints with Oakland, St. Louis and Colorado. He is still in his pre-arbitration years, and could be a bullpen candidate for the team.

With $6 million off the books, the Red Sox may now pursue free agent starter Roy Oswalt, who is said to be seeking a one-year, $8 million deal to reestablish his value. The Red Sox and Oswalt have been in discussions for a while now.

Without Scutaro, Mike Aviles and Nick Punto will likely platoon at the position to start the season. Though, it could be time for prospect Jose Iglesias, who is gifted defensively, to take over full-time at shortstop.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Clayton Mortensen, Colorado Rockies, Marco Scutaro, Red Sox