RealGM

When rumors began swirling over the winter that the Blue Jays were targeting free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, Marco Scutaro couldn't help but feel a little disheartened. Such a signing would once again block his chance to prove he could be an everyday player.

So, during Scutaro's frequent offseason trips to a baseball academy operated by the Cleveland Indians -- located just a short drive from his home in the small town of San Felipe, Venezuela -- he secretly hoped that Toronto's search for a new shortstop would fall short.

Scutaro wanted that job. It was his opportunity to shed the utility player label that has followed him throughout his career.

"I want to play every day," Scutaro said. "I was kind of hoping they wouldn't sign anybody. I wanted to play. On the other hand, you can't really do anything about it except wait. What are you going to do? You don't have control over those kinds of decisions.

"But, after they didn't sign anyone, I was looking forward to getting ready and trying to take advantage."