After a tough first stretch in Boston at the end of last season (he had a .191 average in 89 at-bats), Dustin Pedroia heads into this year as the Sox’ starting second baseman. According to the Globe’s Amalie Benjamin, Pedroia adhered to a strict workout regimen in the offseason, shrinking from his pudgy 196 pounds to a svelte 171. Will that pay dividends? He’s one to keep an eye on this spring.