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Red Sox Memories: A defensive studs and duds All-Star team

By Rick McNair

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 06: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stadium workers hold a display of players gold glove awards on the field before the game Texas Rangers of Anaheim on April 6, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 06: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stadium workers hold a display of players gold glove awards on the field before the game Texas Rangers of Anaheim on April 6, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, ME – MAY 04: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox tags out Barrett Barnes #8 of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in the seventh inning of the game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Hadlock Field on May 4, 2019 in Portland, Maine. (Photo by Zachary Roy/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, ME – MAY 04: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox tags out Barrett Barnes #8 of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in the seventh inning of the game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Hadlock Field on May 4, 2019 in Portland, Maine. (Photo by Zachary Roy/Getty Images) /

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.

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