6 years agoBoston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (knee) had a second knee procedure in July and missed basically the entire 2018 season, but he thinks he will be ready for spring training. Manager Alex Cora has told Pedroia that if he's healthy, he would bat leadoff on Opening Day on March 28 against the Mariners. “I told him that a few months ago because he deserves it,” Cora said. “Mookie [Betts] won’t lead off one game next year.” Pedroia had only 11 at-bats this year but hit .293/.369/.392 with seven home runs and 62 RBI in 105 games in 2017. He's a gamer for sure, but his power and speed are no longer reliable for fantasy owners and he's an obvious injury risk. Hitting leadoff would boost his fantasy upside, but most owners will probably be avoiding him in shallow mixed leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: The Boston Globe - Pete Abraham