I'm sure most have heard that Dustin Pedroia has been asked about returning to shortstop where he used to play in college. This is still in the early stages and in my opinion could be a type of emergency choice they would like to keep open. How would Pedroia do at shortstop though?

According to Dave Cameron at Fangraphs the average player loses 5-10 runs on defense in the change. Being that Pedroia has saved 7.4 runs per 150 games according to UZR/150 he would fall to a league average defender. On the other hand Pedroia would gain in the position adjustment going from a +2.5 at second base to a +7.5 at shortstop.

There is some risk in changing position including an increased injury risk, but in overall value he looks to be able to maintain his value at shortstop. This would likely be short term no matter what happens as Jose Iglesias is likely the short stop of the future, but a season of Placido Polanco or Felipe Lopez at second couldn't hurt.

I really doubt this will be the way the Red Sox go, but they have to keep their options open and it's something Pedroia practices during the season anyway. I still see Adam Everett spliting time with Jed Lowrie as the best option for 2010.

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