Dustin Pedroia, the 2008 American League MVP, is rumoured to moving to shortstop. With the Red Sox looking extremely vacant in that area, Pedroia is looking to step up.
He said to ESPN's Peter Gammons, "They've put it out there, and I've told them I'm all for it. I can do it. I can't wait for [Terry Francona] to call me and ask, 'Can you do it?' I can do it. I really want to do it."
Will he be able perform to high enough standards in a new position?
As an All-American shortstop Arizona State he certainly has the abilities. However, for the Red Sox, Pedroia has only played six games in the position. His fielding percentage at shortstop is .952.
Whereas in his four seasons at second base, he has fielded at an excellent .990 percentage. He also been the fulcrum of 289 doubles plays while fielding at second base. For his performances at second base Pedroia managed to win a deserved Gold Glove in 2008.
One could therefore argue that it would be detrimental for the Red Sox to move Pedroia from second to shortstop. It will take time for him to get to a sufficient standard, especially to a equivalent standard of his second base fielding talent.
The loss of Pedroia at second base would mean that Boston would have to look for a new second baseman. This would cause further disruption for Theo Epstein during a difficult offseason.
So what the options for the Red Sox at shortstop beyond Pedroia?
Currently in the depth chart, the Red Sox only have Jed Lowrie. In his career Lowrie has for a .235 average and an extremely disappointing .147 last season through 32 games.
Boston will have look at the options available in free agency. There are currently two Type A free agents still available. They are Miguel Tejada of the Astros and Orlando Cabrera of the Twins.
Tejada, 35, is a career .289 hitter who hits for power. Last year he hit a commendable .313; however, one doubts that the Red Sox will be able to sign the 35-year-old as the Astros are close to keeping Tejada.
Orlando Cabrera is a more realistic option. The Twins have just signed JJ Hardy at shortstop meaning Cabrera is definitely available. He is certainly a better option than Lowrie.
There are rumours that the Red Sox will look to former draft pick Hanley Ramirez in a blockbuster trade. Ramirez has become the face of the Marlins organisation. The talismanic shortstop had an unbelievable season with the Marlins and would obviously be a brilliant option if available.
Ramirez would certainly be the ideal man to play shortstop for the Red Sox. However, the likelihood of the Red Sox bringing him in is small.
The answer at shortstop, though, is currently not in Red Sox organization. Pedroia is just too good at second base. It is unlikely that Francona will want to lose that. Therefore, the Red Sox will have to look to sign a new shortstop, whoever he maybe.
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