I agree with you it does suck, rather have Hernandez then Rutledge, but I understand they have to preserve depth. The only thing I wonder how hard would it be to get a player like Rutledge if one is needed, shouldn't be to hard.
You asked why they granted him free agency. They removed him from 60 day disabled list in early November and did not add him to the 40, which made him a free agent. They traded Shaw and Moncada in December. In beginning of Nov. they weren't going to waste a spot on the 40 when they had so much depth.
Actually he probably wouldn't be on the opening day roster because he has options and they want to keep the depth. His defense is not on par with those two, but would bet he would be a starter for a lot of teams.
If he planned on using Holt there my guess is he would have seen action there this spring. The other alternative is Seskey, which leaves Holt as the only backup at 2nd short and 3rd.
The reason why he played Rutledge at first is he will probably play there against lefties until Hanley is ready. I am pretty sure Holt has not played 1st this spring.
Vazquez picked off a runner at second today and caught another stealing third. Has thrown out 5 of 6 runners this spring, I would say his arm strength is fully back.