Dustin Pedroia had another season in which injuries concerns presented themselves.  He also had a year in which he was labeled as one of the ring-leaders of the mutiny against Bobby Valentine.  True or not, it seems clear that Pedroia and Valentine did not get along and would not work.  Valentine is out, and the Boston Red Sox are now ready to start discussing a contract extension with Pedroia.

Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston says the Red Sox have decided that extending Dustin Pedroia is something they need to do.  A source told him the team feels it is in their "best interests" to get a deal done.  The Red Sox have some other needs to address, but they have every intention of opening up negotiations for a long-term deal.


Pedroia, though, has been nicked up quite a bit over the years.  He underwent offseason surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right pinky finger.  He played in 18 less games in 2012 than he did in 2011.  Still, that meant that he payed in 141 games - more than a lot of other second basemen around the league.  But it could be a sign that injuries are finally catching up to him.

No matter the questions about durability, no one can questions Pedroia's offensive talents.  He hit .290/.347/.449 last season.  In his career, he has hit .303/.369/.461.  He has become one of the best second basemen in the league, and Boston is correct in their desire to extend his contract.

The two-time All-Star, former MVP, and former Rookie of the Year still has two years left on his current deal, but it's never too early to start thinking about the next contract.  The Red Sox hope to have a deal done before the start of next season.
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