Scutaro shows early signs of fielding prowess

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Marco Scutaro is wasting no time showing the defensive skills that appealed to the Red Sox.

Their new shortstop started an inning-ending double play in the first inning of Boston's first spring training game, a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night. Then he made another outstanding play to retire the leadoff batter in the fourth.

Manager Terry Francona said Friday that as people watch Scutaro play, they'll quickly realize why Boston wanted him. The Red Sox used six shortstops last year, with no one playing more than 81 games there. Scutaro played in 144 games last season for the Toronto Blue Jays and is Boston's everyday shortstop.

Last year he tied for fourth in the majors in fielding percentage among shortstops.