While we all know how dedicated Dustin Pedroia is when it comes to the sport of Baseball, he simply cannot play anymore. The surgery after surgery, and DL stint after DL stint simply proves that microcosm. While it stinks to say that he has no use for his salary, they can cut $15 million plus here.
If Pedroia retires, the Red Sox still must pay the guaranteed money. What if there was a way to keep his extensive knowledge, as well as take his salary off the cap?
Enter the new upper management changes. With Dave Dombrowski out of the picture, the club is in search of a new President of Baseball Operations. The team also has made some coaching openings already. It would not take much as the team has a history of hiring former players to their staff.
Take Jason Varitek for instance. As a special assistant to the President of Baseball Operations position.
Shortly after David Ortiz retired, the club announced an unnamed position that will ultimately keep Ortiz with the club for life as a mentor for players development. Especially with former teammates Mookie Betts, and Xander Bogaerts, as well as fellow Dominican Rafael Devers.
We all know he is one of the best defensive second baseman of all-time. his career .991 fielding percentage putouts and assists over putouts and assists plus errors) over his 14 year career would put him in strong consideration for the legendary fielder as a defensive or an infield coach.
Sure with his work with Devers, Holt, and Nunez, he could easily land a role there, or whatever team he wants. It is all a matter of time before the stars align for this amazing opportunity to fall into place.
The snag is getting Pedroia to realize the cleats need to be hung up. Being the small guy, the odds were always stacked against him. Even after he won the 2007 American League MVP award, as well as the AL rookie of the year award.
The pseudo analysts were at it again, calling for the gold glove winner to hang it up due to the affect at the plate it could cause. It only created the problem the team is facing now.
With all eyes set on the former All-Star to make an update on his health, deep down, he should realize for the betterment of the team, his playing days are over.
