VIDEO: Alex Cora Declares Second Base Conversation 'Starts' With Dustin Pedroia in 2020

Dustin Pedroia has only played in nine games over the last two seasons and will be 36 years old on 2020's Opening Day. Out of what simply must be respect more than confidence, Red Sox Manager Alex Cora claimed this week that he still expects the long-time second baseman to continue to have the job revolve around him.

There was a time when Pedroia was the premier second baseman in all of baseball. He is a four-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and an MVP winner. Those days are far past him, however, as he has dealt with multiple knee injuries since the 2016 season.

His injuries ballooned back in 2017 when Manny Machado slid into his calf, which indirectly injured his knee. In the offseason prior, he had already gone under the knife to fix a torn meniscus.

Much like David Wright's final days as a Met, Pedroia will set the bar at his position until the team feels like he cannot perform anymore. He has certainly earned the opportunity to keep the position, but as Pedroia gets older, the leash will quickly get shorter.