Pedroia Falling Out of Favor?

A source out of Boston had a little nugget about Red Sox second base/shortstop prospect Dustin Pedroia.  Pedroia, by the way, is the 11th best prospect in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus.

My source tells me that Pedroia is "falling out of favor with the Sox brass."  Apparently the Red Sox think he’s gotten way too big and is too slow to play shortstop.

Pedroia has come back from a shoulder strain to play shortstop for Boston’s Triple A affiliate.  He was moved to second base last year, but the Hanley Ramirez trade resulted in a switch back to short.  The 22 year-old is hitting .269/.367/.385 for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 52 ABs. 

You have to be worried about Pedroia’s lack of power at the Triple A level , dating back to last year.  Nonetheless, BP projects Pedroia to hit .290/.362/.450 in the Majors this year.  My guess is that Pedroia is showcased in the big leagues within a month’s time.  He could serve as a major young trading chip for Boston this summer.