Pedroia at SS?

[Chris]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=4702985

Interesting idea being floated out there.  Here are Pedroia's comments:

"They've asked me if I think I could play shortstop," Pedroia told 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."

Honestly, if it comes down to overpaying for Scutaro, and putting Pedroia out there, and picking up a second baseman (who there are many more than SS's), I think its not a bad idea.

He is not going to be a gold glover, but he should be at least solid, and then go to the much deeper class of FA second basemen, to strengthen the order. 

If they could go and get a Felipe Lopez, or maybe Adam Kennedy, it could really improve their lineup. 

Then you can always move Dustin back in a couple of years if a better option comes along as a SS, but this is a good way to strengthen a position, despite a weak market for SS's.

[yall hate]

I think it's a mistake.  defensively, it would probably hurt the team too much.  If Lowell is back at 3b, he has no range.  Pedroia has limited range.  I just think it isnt worth it...but who knows, maybe they are trying to pry an Uggla type away from Florida (although that would really wreck the defense). 

I think this is more posturing then anything (I beleive the reason for converting Pedroia to a 2b from ss in college is likely to still hold true...limited range, questionable arm, etc...)

[Chris]

I think it's a mistake.  defensively, it would probably hurt the team too much.  If Lowell is back at 3b, he has no range.  Pedroia has limited range.  I just think it isnt worth it...but who knows, maybe they are trying to pry an Uggla type away from Florida (although that would really wreck the defense). 

I think this is more posturing then anything (I beleive the reason for converting Pedroia to a 2b from ss in college is likely to still hold true...limited range, questionable arm, etc...)

I don't think it is posturing as much as covering all of their bases.  While Pedroia is not an ideal option, it might be a better option than overpaying Scutaro, or relying on someone like Lowry. 

Ultimately, I think the Sox are looking to fill the SS hole via trade, but having Pedroia slide over there is not the worst fallback plan ever.

...although you do make a good point about Lowell's defense, but I have a strong feeling the Sox are not planning on having him be their everyday third baseman next year anyways.  I think they will pick up either another first baseman, catcher, or third baseman, and try to trade Lowell, or have him split time at DH.

[moiso]

Makes sense to me.  I kind of wanted Gonzalez back because I'm sick of all the yearly juggling of the position.  But now they can go out and find the best shortstop or 2nd baseman available then simply play Pedroia at the opposite position.

[Chris]

Makes sense to me.  I kind of wanted Gonzalez back because I'm sick of all the yearly juggling of the position.  But now they can go out and find the best shortstop or 2nd baseman available then simply play Pedroia at the opposite position.

I think if they brought Gonzalez back, people would be complaining about him like they did with Varitek the last couple of years.  For all his defensive prowess, he is a black hole in the lineup.  He had a nice run last year, but there is no way you can expect anything close to that in the long term.

[Finkelskyhook]

I laugh at anybody underestimating Pedroia no matter what position he plays.  

[moiso]

Makes sense to me.  I kind of wanted Gonzalez back because I'm sick of all the yearly juggling of the position.  But now they can go out and find the best shortstop or 2nd baseman available then simply play Pedroia at the opposite position.

I think if they brought Gonzalez back, people would be complaining about him like they did with Varitek the last couple of years.  For all his defensive prowess, he is a black hole in the lineup.  He had a nice run last year, but there is no way you can expect anything close to that in the long term.

Yeah, he overachieved at the plate last year, but we did win a world series with the guy.  He's still better than Lugo, Lowry, Green, Renteria, etc.  I'm all for an upgrade, but the Sox keep making moves that are either lateral or a downgrade.

[MBz]

The thing with Gonzalez is he is he can give you productive outs.  He can move the runners along, he can drop a bunt, if he hits .250 and gives you that then that's fine.  Varitek had no productive outs.  He wasn't doing anything to help and he was awful defensively.  Gonzalez is a great defender and it makes up for his poor offense.  I don't like Pedroia going to short.  Personally, I think this is going to just give the Sox leverage when trying to get a shortstop via trade or free agency.  Basically they can say well, we have Pedroia to play there so we really don't need you.  I really do see Pedroia starting at 2nd base come spring.

[Chris]

The thing with Gonzalez is he is he can give you productive outs.  He can move the runners along, he can drop a bunt, if he hits .250 and gives you that then that's fine. 

Is this really true?  Because I could have sworn he was a TERRIBLE bunter, and was not good at doing those little things offensively, and this is one of the biggest reasons they let him walk a few years ago. 

[nickagneta]

May sound nuts but to me I think a trade with Arizona to try to land Stephen Drew might be the best option.

[yall hate]

May sound nuts but to me I think a trade with Arizona to try to land Stephen Drew might be the best option.

why would they want to move him?  that is a sserious question, because he is young, has performed very well, and isnt that expensive (the last part I am semi guessing on)

[Big_Matt34]

Yeah, he overachieved at the plate last year, but we did win a world series with the guy.

They never actually won a WS with him, in 2006 they didnt make the playoffs and got swept in the first round this year.

Bringing him back at 6 million would have been a mistake, and they told him theyd offer 1 year for 3 million, more than what Toronto did. But Theo said they wanted to go through all their options first and he didnt feel like waiting.

[USG]

The thing with Gonzalez is he is he can give you productive outs.  He can move the runners along, he can drop a bunt, if he hits .250 and gives you that then that's fine.  Varitek had no productive outs. 

"Makes productive outs" is a nice way to say "Can't get on base."

Making an out is always worse than not. Better to just give Lowrie (who has great defensive numbers in his limited appearances) a try now that he's healthy.