Dustin Pedroia Willing to Move to Short

One of the biggest problems on defense the Boston Red Sox had last season was the shortstop position. Until the team brought on Alex Gonzalez in August, any ball that was hit towards shortstop was an adventure or a nightmare depending on who you asked.

So finding a shortstop for next season has been one of the team's biggest priorities, but since the Red Sox aren't really enamored with any of the possibilities, it's a good thing they may already have their future shortstop on the roster. Dustin Pedroia is more than willing to make the switch from second base to short if the team needs him to.

"They've asked me if I think I could play shortstop," Pedroia says. "They've put it out there and I've told them I'm all for it. I can do it. I can't wait for Tito [Terry Francona] to call me and ask, 'Can you do it?' I can do it. I really want to do it.

"When the idea of moving back to shortstop was floated to me, I welcomed it. I'm excited. Tell Derek [Jeter] to enjoy the gold glove and silver slugger awards while he can. Obviously, I'm not serious about the fun I have with Derek, but I'm never stopping believing in the goal. I believe I can play shortstop and help get the Red Sox back where they belong."

If Pedroia did move to shortstop it would allow the Red Sox to pursue a second baseman, where they're a lot more comfortable with the options. The team has already talked to Mark DeRosa's agent, though that's more of a contingency plan should they end up trading Mike Lowell, but he can play second base as well. There's also Orlando Hudson and a belief within the organization that they could potentially pry Brandon Phillips away from the Cincinnati Reds if they wanted to.

Either way, it's obvious the Red Sox aren't that thrilled with the idea of signing Marco Scutaro to play short, especially considering his plantar fasciitis and the fact he will end up costing the team a draft pick if, as expected, the Blue Jays offer him arbitration.

UPDATE: Two reports later Tuesday made it seem like Pedroia moving to shortstop in 2010 is a serious longshot. Boston-based radio station WEEI.com reported that the Red Sox have had preliminary discussions with free-agent shortstop Adam Everett, who is renowned for his glove. The Boston Globe also reported that the Red Sox are planning to exhaust all other available options before turning to Pedroia to fill the shortstop position.