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If offered arbitration, shortstop could return to Toronto

Coming off a career year, shortstop Marco Scutaro is weighing all his options as he enters free agency this offseason. That includes a possible return to the Blue Jays if he is offered salary arbitration, as expected.

Scutaro qualified as a Type A free agent this year, meaning Toronto would receive a pair of compensatory picks in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft if he declines arbitration and signs with another team. According to a report on FOXSports.com, Scutaro has not ruled out accepting a one-year arbitration offer from the Jays.

"He definitely hasn't closed the door on Toronto at all," agent Peter Greenberg was quoted as saying.

Scutaro -- a career utility man prior to last season -- thrived as a full-time shortstop and leadoff man in his second season with the Blue Jays in '09. He hit .282 with a .379 on-base percentage and notched career bests in home runs (12), doubles (35), RBIs (60), stolen bases (14), walks (90) and runs scored (100).

Scutaro, 34, also played outstanding defense at short, though Greenberg noted that the veteran infielder is not opposed to switching positions. According to the report, inquiring teams have asked if Scutaro is willing to man second or third base, and he isn't ruling out a position change.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has maintained that he has an interest in retaining Scutaro, but Toronto is weighing its alternatives. Greenberg noted that Toronto offered Scutaro a contract extension during and shortly after the season, but the shortstop wanted to explore the free-agent market.