Scutaro in Sox sights

What feels like Day Infinity of the Great Shortstop Hunt has passed with the Red Sox inching closer to filling the position that has vexed general manager Theo Epstein more than any other. The Red Sox days ago sought medical records for free agent Marco Scutaro, who ended last season fighting plantar fasciitis in his right heel. They were the first team to do so, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions. They followed that up, according to an ESPN report last night, by having assistant general manager Allard Baird fly to Scutaro's Florida home and give him a private workout which reportedly assuaged their fears that his condition is a major cause for concern. Put the two together and they're the strongest signs yet that the Red Sox are seriously contemplating signing the former Blue Jays standout despite his status as a Type A free agent, which would cost them a draft pick. Scutaro appears to be the club's prime target after a season that saw him hit .282 with 12 home runs, 60 RBI and 100 runs. He turned down a two-year deal from the Jays prior to being offered arbitration, and Toronto has since moved on by re-signing John McDonald and inking former Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract. Because Scutaro is 34 and coming off a career year, the Red Sox front office seems leery to give him a three-year deal, which is what he will likely command elsewhere. But right now, Scutaro is the best shortstop out there. The Red Sox have also contacted free agents Adam Everett and Bobby Crosby, but neither is the complete player that Scutaro is. The middle infield market shrank by one yesterday when the Phillies signed Tigers free agent Placido Polanco to a three-year, $18 million deal to play third base. The Red Sox had contacted Polanco after he wasn't offered arbitration by Detroit, but their discussions with the Gold Glove second baseman never got serious. Signing Polanco would have given more credence to the idea of second baseman Dustin Pedroia shifting to short, as he offered to do in an ESPN.com story earlier in the week. However, that move remains more of a last resort than a primary option. Staying on the second base side of the ledger, WEEI.com reported yesterday that the Sox have contacted free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, who was not offered arbitration by the Dodgers. Hudson has long been a favorite of Epstein, who inquired about him at the start of his tenure as GM when Hudson was with the Blue Jays. On the utility front, the Sox have contacted veterans Mark DeRosa and Jamey Carroll. The former has played every position except pitcher and catcher in his career and was discussed by the Sox internally in prior seasons, with the consensus being that while his skills generally fit the Sox (versatile, big bat), his salary ($5.5 million last year) and average infield defense did not. However, at a lesser cost, he could be attractive after slugging a career-high 23 homers. As for Carroll, the Red Sox have let him know that finding a starting shortstop and left fielder are their priorities, but that they'd have genuine interest later in the offseason if he's still available. Carroll is a plus defender who has hit a little throughout his career, though not on par with DeRosa. - jtomase@bostonherald.com