Dustin Pedroia, 2B

Fast fact: Highest batting average on the team against lefthanders, .348 (.408 at Fenway Park).

Lowdown: From .182 in April to Rookie of the Year, Pedroia proved that Terry Francona's faith was warranted. Now it's up to the second baseman, who finished at .317, to live up to expectations. He was also solid defensively (his range seemed to improve) as he committed just six errors.