The Herald's Michael Silverman tweeted last hour what many were speculating. Ben Cherington's first move as GM was to keep some organizational certainty at a position that has been problematic for Boston.
Scutaro had a .781 OPS (up 60 points on the prior year) in 2011 playing in 113 games. Of course, his health will be an issue as he is going into his age 36 season. The alternatives weren't great. Some thought Jose Iglesias would take the reins in 2012, but he couldn't even crack a .600 OPS at Pawtucket at age 21 this year.
Jed Lowrie can't be counted on to walk to the ballpark without injuring himself, so he's not a realistic option. And free agency? I'd rather not pay for an old (Jimmy Rollins) or brittle (Jose Reyes) option at eight figures a year.
Re-upping Scutaro wasn't a glamorous move, but it was a sound one.
