Most players struggle with consistency through the early part of their careers. It's a chess match between pitchers making adjustments and the hitters counter-acting those adjustments. Pedroia was hitting .260 around this time last year.
the only thing different has been a diminished ability to get on base but that could come with time but so far in his career, he is hitting for average
cause he doesnt get on base enough as a leadoff hitter but pitchers are gonna be very reluctant to nibble with him due to his speed. he'll always need a very good BABIP
Pedroia is becoming the toughest out in baseball, its even better when they arent pitching around him to get to Ortiz
actually, Youkilis might be the toughest out in baseball
Wang's velocity was down and he had a leg injury last year. Ortiz's bat speed is down and he had a wrist injury last year. They could just make up some s*** like the Yanks did with Wang and put Ortiz in Pawtucket to "regain wrist strength" or something and I believe Ortiz would be all for it if that's what the Sox think would be best.