The BoSox Injection staff reflects on the 2016 season by grading each member of the Boston Red Sox based on expectations for them entering the season.
Dustin Pedroia proved once again that he is the most consistent player on the Boston Red Sox on both sides of the ball.
Pedroia, who never leaves the field without his jersey being covered in dirt, could very well be on his way to his fifth Gold Glove of his career. He posted a .990 fielding percentage, making just six errors in 613 chances and seemed to make one incredible play every time out.
The veteran second baseman didn’t just have a year with the glove, he also swung it very well. He posted a .318 average, the best average he’s had since his MVP award in 2008. Pedroia finished first in walks , second in average and hits, and finished fourth in doubles and at bats among American League second baseman.
Pedroia was also the most consistent hitter for the Red Sox every month. His lowest average for a month was in June when he still hit a respectable .294 and never seemed to have a slump.
After the Red Sox were swept by the Indians, we later found out Pedroia was playing through a meniscus tear in which he had successful surgery on following the postseason loss. According to 98.5 The Sports Hub Zolak & Betrand Show, the tear happened sometime in mid-September at Toronto.
Following the apparent knee injury, Pedroia finished the year playing in 18 regular season games, batting just .238 with two homers and nine RBIs. He went 2-for-12 with a double in the three postseason games he played. It is evident Pedroia was in pain and it just shows how much of a grinder Pedroia is. He played through a tough knee injury down the stretch to try and help win his team a World Series.
With David Ortiz gone, this is now Pedroia’s team. He will be the leader in that clubhouse and his turn to take the younger guys under his belt.
Pedroia, who is a career .301 hitter, has never really had any disappointing seasons, so I’m sure we can expect the gritty second basemen to have another great year next season.
Grade: A
What’s Next?
Although Pedroia underwent successful knee surgery, he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready in time for spring training. As long as Pedroia is healthy, he is obviously the guy who will do what he’s done in the past; Play 140-155 games, make every play that comes his way, be the spark plug of the Red Sox and produce at the top of the order.
2017 will be his tenth season with the team, with many young guys still in the lineup next year, expect Pedroia to be the “captain” of this team. We know all the young guys always looked up to Ortiz, but Pedroia isn’t a bad guy to take the throne. He plays the game the right way and is someone who is going to demand max effort and a winning attitude for the team.
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