Marco Scutaro: San Francisco Giants’ Fans Need to Face the Facts – He’s Done as a Full-Time Player

September 5, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro (19) hits a single in front of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero (26, left) during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco Giants second baseman, Marco Scutaro has not had the offseason and spring that neither he, nor the Giants had in mind. He just played his first spring training game this week, and has already had to undergo a second epidural shot. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling some Freddy Sanchez déjà vu.

The first shot “didn’t work?” I’ve known family and friends have had to have these shots before and while I know they aren’t the ‘end all, be all’ of cures, I’ve never heard of one simply “not working.” Perhaps it just didn’t work as much as they hoped, but when your career is relying on a series of epidural shots working, you’re career just may be over.

Here’s the problem with that though. Scutaro is under contract through the 2015 season. This season and next season. Two more full seasons of a player who may or may not even be able to physically play.

From Henry Schulman/San Francisco Chronicle – UPDATE: Marco Scutaro’s Opening Day odds for SF Giants take a big hit

Bochy hopes the shot will do its magic and allow Scutaro to play either in Cactus League or minor-league games by the weekend. Unfortunately for the Giants and Scutaro, estimates for his return this spring have come and gone like passing clouds.

I truly want Scutaro to be able to play. He’s a likable guy. I mean, he invented #Scutaroing and inspired that awesome Scutaro Rain Globe. He gives me the “feels” as the kids say. But you know who else did? Freddy Sanchez. I loved that guy. I loved him when he was a Pittsburgh Pirate. I loved him more as a Giant. But it didn’t change things in the end.

We need a second baseman who can play every day. Maybe not a 162 gamer like Hunter Pence. But at least 80% of the season. More than a second baseman, we need a true #2 hitter. Scutaro fills both of those roles when he’s healthy. So did Sanchez.

But I’m ready to admit it. Signing Scutaro for three seasons was a poor idea. I mean, if it was out of respect to him, I’m not against that, but I feel like the Giants are doing a lot of that. But if the Giants thought for a minute he’d be healthy for the majority of those three years, then well, it’s a huge let down.

No, it’s not Scutaro’s fault. It’s life. It’s aging. It’s baseball. But, it’s also business. The Giants need to stick him on the disabled list indefinitely and start looking for a full-time 2B and #2 hitter, whether it’s on the farm or by going out and getting a legitimately ready player.

It’s time to face it – Scutaro is not coming back. Not in the way that Giants fans or the front office may have hoped. Get over it. Cut your losses and move on.