I've long wondered why this has never come up. I can't imagine he's not at least competent at short. He may not be the rangiest guy in the world, but he's gotta be significantly better than, say, Derek Jeter. His arm is enough for the position. Second base is a far easier position to fill value-wise. Especially if you consider the person you sign as possibly a backup if Lowrie proves himself ... and Lowrie played second in college, so he can almost surely play second if needed. Or they flip them back to what they played before if/when Lowrie proves he's ok.

If Pedroia can do it, I think this is a good option. Maybe it's only for a couple of years until Iglesias is better (or a premier shortstop is acquired), but it at least stabilizes the position with a competent and productive player. Pedroia would have a good chance of being the best offensive shortstop in the American League (only Jeter's bounce-back season and Bartlett's insanity was better last year by OPS).