Dustin Pedroia

2013

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2012

Long after the Red Sox had righted the season after a poor start, Pedroia was still struggling into early June. He was coming off a 2010 foot injury and he experienced ankle and knee injuries in May, but once he learned he avoided a more serious knee injury in June, Pedroia kicked off a run, hitting .340 over the final four months of the season. All of those injuries are behind him now, and he finished with the first 20-20 season of his career. Pedroia's reputation remains unsullied following Boston's collapse and he seems poised to become the team's next captain.

2011

Pedroia played just 75 games in 2010 after suffering a non-displaced fracture of his left foot in June that eventually required season-ending surgery in September. It's a shame, too, because Pedroia was just getting his stroke back at the time of the injury and was on pace to post career-high power numbers. All reports are that he'll be 100 percent ready to go when spring training rolls around, but only time will tell. The biggest question is obviously how well the foot heals and if there are any lingering issues. Also whether Pedroia, an old-school gamer, will be completely honest about how the foot feels. If healthy, he offers a nice combo of power/speed from the second base position. He's expected to bat second in what should be a pretty stacked Boston order this season.

2010

Pedroia failed to replicate his 2008 MVP season, but his numbers were still elite for a middle infielder. We weren't counting on a repeat of 2008, but Pedroia remained an unlikely multi-category threat with 15 homers, 72 RBI and 20 steals. That makes two straight seasons with 20 stolen bases, though he was caught eight times in 2009. He's been healthy since becoming a full-time starter and returns as Boston's starting second baseman and No. 2 hitter, with expectations of similar numbers.

2009

One of the most unlikely MVP winners you'll ever see, Pedroia earned every vote. He increased his numbers in several categories while flirting with the batting lead. He's a free swinger who has developed some pop (17 homers) and led the AL in doubles (54) and runs scored (118) while tying Ichiro for the league lead in hits (213). Along with Kevin Youkilis, it looks like the work Pedroria put in at the Athletes Performance Institute worked for him. He probably maxed out in 2008, but he'll continue to be a multi-category producer and starting second baseman.

2008

Pedroia burst onto the scene in his rookie year and immediately asserted himself as one of the league's better second basemen. While Pedroia doesn't possess the power of a Chase Utley or a Dan Uggla (only 8 HR and 50 RBI), few second basemen possess Pedroia's ability to hit for average or get on base - his .317 average was second among AL second basemen and his .823 OPS ranked third. Moreover, Pedroia rarely strikes out, with only 46 Ks in 520 at-bats. With rookie year jitters behind him (his .182 April 2007 average will probably not be replicated any time soon), we expect Pedroia, now in complete possession of the Red Sox second base job, to continue his stellar play.

2007

Pedroia's long-awaited Boston debut finally came in 2006, but with less-than-expected results. He was overmatched right away and never hit higher than .205 at any point in the season, finishing .191/.258/.303 in 89 at-bats. It's too early to dismiss him as a product of hype, but clearly we have to adjust our expectations. The second base job is there for the taking, mostly because the Red Sox can save money at the position if Pedroia shows he's ready for everyday duty. He'll probably hit ninth in what should be a potent lineup.

2006

Pedroia, 22, continued to cruise through the organization in 2005 moving from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Pawtucket. An untimely injury prevented him making his Red Sox debut in 2005, but his ability to play second base or shortstop, could land Pedroia in the Opening Day lineup. The Red Sox traded for Mark Loretta, who is expected to start at second base, but shortstop is still open. The Red Sox signed veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez, and will probably let Pedroia get another half-season at Triple-A, but that big-league debut should happen in 2006.

2005

Pedroia was Boston's first-round pick in 2004 and made two Single-A stops, eventually finishing the year at High-A Sarasota in the Florida State League. Pedroia, who was named the National Defensive Player of the Year in 2003 at Arizona State, held his own with the bat. He knows what to do around the plate and has moderate power for a middle infielder. Pedroia's future with the major league club may be at second base, considering the organization's investment in Edgar Renteria. And he’s still the second-best SS prospect behind Hanley Ramirez. He will likely start the season in Single-A, but Pedroia's on the fast track and could be promoted to Double-A Portland before long.