Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio confirms that the Rockies have acquired infielder Marco Scutaro from the Red Sox for right-hander Clayton Mortensen. Mortensen has a poor 5.12 career ERA in the big leagues and turns 27 years old in April. But this trade wasn't really about adding talent for Boston; it was about getting rid of Sctuaro's $6 million salary for 2012 and directing some of that cash into the acquisition of a starter, either through free agency or a trade. Scutaro, 36, will start at second base this year in Colorado. He batted .299/.358/.423 in 445 plate appearances last season. Mike Aviles and Nick Punto will platoon at shortstop for the Red Sox until prospect Jose Iglesias is ready.