Jose Iglesias was expected to contend for the starting shortstop position this season for the Red Sox. Then, the team went out and signed Stephen Drew to a one-year deal, likely relegating Iglesias to the minor leagues for one more season.
According to double-play partner Dustin Pedroia, Iglesias wasn’t too happy about the news of Boston’s newest signing.
“He was upset,” Pedroia told WEEI’s Red Sox Hot Stove show on Thursday night. However, the Red Sox’ second baseman wasn’t about to let his teammate sulk about it.
“I basically told him, from my situation, I felt like I was ready in 2006 to start the season in Boston, play second base and go play,” Pedroia continued. “But we ended up signing Mark Loretta. It ended up being a great thing for me.”
Iglesias struggled last season in the major leagues, batting just .118 in 25 games. However, if he follows the same career path as Pedroia did when he was pushed back to the minors, that would bode well for the shortstop’s future. After spending ’06 with Pawtucket, Pedroia burst into the bigs the following year and won the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year.
