Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia is an easy pick
The only one that would register with me is Dustin Pedroia as the most accomplished Red Sox second sacker. Pedroia won four Gold Gloves and four Fielding Bible awards with Boston and was simply masterful at turning the double play or in feeding the shortstop a throw where he would not be sliced and diced. Pedroia would consistently be ranked high in various metrics categories such as DRS. Gritty, determined, and fearless in the field.
Great defense accompanied by great offensive makes a player special and Pedroia had that. Rookie of the Year honors in 2007 and a Most Valuable Player award the next season. Four All-Star teams, a Silver Slugger award, and a career batting average of .299. Add to that three championship rings and an outside chance at a selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The simple choice for the worst defensive second baseman would be Jose Offerman whose negativity is somewhat fueled by an outrageous contract, but I am actually going with a batting champion – Pete Runnels.
Runnels – who briefly managed the team – played three seasons at second (1958-1960) before being sent to first base. Runnels – a former shortstop – just was not fluid around the bag, had poor instincts, and was often with a DP partner who also lacked defensive skills. But oh could the lefty hit.