Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that trade talks between the Rockies and Red Sox regarding Marco Scutaro "are now fizzling." Well, that rumor died rather quickly. While Renck hears that the Rockies have indeed discussed a deal for Sctuaro, the Red Sox are understandably reluctant to agree to a trade because they aren't comfortable with their alternatives at shortstop. So it goes.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Red Sox are expected to hang on to Marco Scutaro now that Jed Lowrie has been traded. The Sox were shopping both infielders, but they'll keep Scutaro as their starting shortstop now that Lowrie has landed in Houston. The 36-year-old will be backed up by Nick Punto and presumably will hand the shortstop job off to Jose Iglesias in 2013 after his contract expires.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Rockies, among other clubs, are interested in trading for Marco Scutaro. With the Red Sox needing help in the outfield, the rotation and the back end of the bullpen, they're looking to shed some payroll. Scutaro is an obvious candidate to be moved, as he's set to earn $6 million in 2012 and the Sox already having Jed Lowrie on the roster and Jose Iglesias close to being ready. The veteran batted .299/.358/.423 line in 445 plate appearances in 2011.

Red Sox exercised a $6 million club option on shortstop Marco Scutaro for next season. They did so on his 35th birthday. The move seemed like a no-brainer, especially when considering that the buy-out was $1.5 million. Scutaro caught fire down the stretch and finished with a solid .299/.358/.423 line in 445 plate appearances, arguably his best offensive season. He also provides above-average shortstop defense. Prospect Jose Iglesias is the shortstop of the future in Boston but Scutaro will keep the position warm for one more season.

The Red Sox are expected to pick up a $6 million team option on Marco Scutaro for next season. Prospect Jose Iglesias is the shortstop of the future in Boston but the Red Sox would probably prefer that Scutaro keep the position warm for one more season. Jed Lowrie will be around in 2012 but can't be counted on for health reasons and is probably better suited for utility duties. The Red Sox would owe Scutaro $1.5 million if they decline, so the decision actually comes down to whether or not they believe he is worth $4.5 million. The 35-year-old caught fire down the stretch and finished with a solid .299/.358/.423 line in 445 plate appearances.

Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal believes the Red Sox will pick up a $6 million option on Marco Scutaro for next season. Prospect Jose Iglesias is the shortstop of the future in Boston and Jed Lowrie will be around in 2012, but Iglesias could probably use another season on the farm and Lowrie is fragile. The Red Sox would owe Scutaro $1.5 million if they decline, so the decision actually comes down to whether or not they believe he is worth $4.5 million. The 35-year-old caught fire down the stretch and finished with a solid .299/.358/.423 line in 445 plate appearances.

Marco Scutaro went 6-for-8 in Monday's doubleheader against the Orioles. He accounted for seven of Boston's 23 runs, scoring five and knocking in two. He now owns a season-high .298 batting average, which is 16 points above his previous high from 2009. With a 27-for-64 (.422) September mark, the 35-year-old has made more contributions lately than several of his higher priced teammates.

Marco Scutaro went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Boston's 11-10 loss in Toronto on Wednesday. Scutaro is now batting .476 with nine RBI through his first six games of September. For the year, his triple slash is a healthy .285/.347/.393.

Marco Scutaro went 4-for-5 with four RBI in Tuesday's blowout win over the Blue Jays. The Red Sox had a lot of fun at the expense of the Jays' pitching staff, pounding out 20 hits and 14 runs in the laugher. David Ortiz also had four hits on the night, while Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Josh Reddick each went deep.

Marco Scutaro returned to action on Saturday August 20.