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2007 This PECOTA favorite tends to excite statheads more than scouts. The former cite his impressive plate discipline and gap power--a good offensive package for a middle infielder--while the latter caution against his small size, unimpressive speed, and lack of the arm strength or range to play shortstop. But really, it`s a question of degree; he should be a very good middle infielder in the majors for years to come. Overcoming a slow start (.261/.352/.359 through May), Pedroia put up very good numbers in Pawtucket, walking nearly twice as often as he struck out and continuing to show gap power. With Hanley Ramirez traded to Florida, he moved back to shortstop and didn`t embarrass himself there; he also saw considerable time at second base, his likely role with the Sox in 2007. 2006 The team`s first pick in the 2004 draft, Pedroia sped through four levels to get to the doorstop of the major leagues. He played shortstop at Arizona State, but the team moved him to second base last year, pairing him with Hanley Ramirez in Portland. His only above-average tool is his bat, but he continues to impress with it. His hitting slowed down at bit in Pawtucket when he was hit by a pitch in the left wrist. Pedroia was due to compete for the second base job before the Mark Loretta acquisition. He might see time back at shortstop, but more likely will spend a full year at Pawtucket. 2005 The first pick by the Sox in the 2004 draft, Pedroia was a superstar at Arizona State, All-Pac-10 all three seasons, once Pac-10 player of the year, and twice National Defensive Player of the Year. He slipped to the Sox at 65th overall because he's only 5'8", but the organization loves him. Though he won't show much power, he hits for a high average and keeps his walks up. His pro debut saw him blitz through the Sally League before performing well at high-A Sarasota. The presence of the newly signed Edgar Renteria and Hanley Ramirez plus Pedroia's size mean his future is most likely on the other side of second. He could quickly turn into the player everyone in Anaheim thought David Eckstein was.
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