A Modest Proposal

Here's an idea that's been floating around my head for some time and I'm not even sure if I'm advocating it - I'm just throwing it out there for consideration: maybe the Boston Red Sox should move Dustin Pedroia to shortstop.

Wait - wait! It's not a crazy idea. Pedroia was a shortstop in college so the position wouldn't be new to him and let's be honest defensively he'd be better than Xander Bogaerts. In this scenario Bogaerts would be moved to third base. Offensively Pedroia, even with his diminished power, would be in the top half of shortstops in MLB.

This scenario allows Mookie Betts to take over at second base. Boston could really use Betts as a lead-off man but with the Red Sox' full outfield would make it difficult to get him at bats on a regular basis. Who in the outfield is going to sit to make room for Betts? Yoenis Cespedes? Rusney Castillo? Shane Victorino (if healthy)? Daniel Nava? Allen Craig? This doesn't even mention Gold Glove caliber centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.

This scenario would give the Red Sox an infield of Mike Napoli, Betts, Pedroia and Bogaerts. That's pretty solid. Of course some off season trades may clarify where everyone will play next year but I just wanted to throw this idea out there.