Dustin’ the Competition

Just call him cancer…you won’t know he got you until it’s too late.

Dustin Pedroia is the perfect example of what cancer is. He’s subtle and he works in such a way that you won’t see the results until it’s too late. Though Pedroia isn’t in the top 10 in the league in batting average, he is leading the league in runs scored and doubles. Those stats don’t make it on your highlight reel, but without them, the Red Sox wouldn’t be in first place in the AL East. This former AL Rookie of the Year is quietly having an MVP year, though it is likely he won’t hoist that trophy at the end of the season.

He consistently hits well and doesn’t put himself in slumps (0-6 is his longest). The unique thing about Pedroia’s game is his situational hitting. While some sluggers swing away, they often don’t look at the situation. On the year, Pedroia has 12 sacrifice hits (bunts or flies), 14 doubles which leads the league, a .298 average with runners in scoring position, and has 18 runs scored. Don’t be fooled by his average. Even though he’s not going to hit .350 or above, that doesn’t make him a flake, and one should look at other intangibles that make a player good.

This second full year starter has shown why he can play in the league. He is hailed as a complete player by his former coaches. The former Golden Spikes finalist was drafted by the Red Sox in 2003 and made his break with the club in 2006, but in a limited setting. While at Arizona State Pedroia never hit below a .347 average and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. In his career he only committed 23 errors in 819 attempts. Not bad for a hybrid shortstop and second baseman. It’s very rare that a player can exhibit such raw instincts as Pedroia, but a player like that should never be ignored. While playing in a very tough Pac-10 he was named Co-Player of the Year in 2003 and All-Time Pac-10.

Good things were only destined for this young star. He’s not a one year wonder some critics thought he’d become this season. Thus far he’s silenced those critics. His stellar play in 2007 is what allowed him to get the AL Rookie of the Year and it is obvious he is building on that success. What’s amazing is that he’s only 24 years of age and shows no signs of slowing down.

What’s most interesting about Pedroia’s game is his uncanny ability to not strikeout. This season he has 16 strikeouts and in 142 at-bats. He only has 65 in his year and half in the league. That is a sign that he’s out to help his team succeed. That’s also proof that he’s not trying to hit a homerun every at-bat. You might have noticed that he only has one homerun on the year, and it barely cleared the fence.

If you were to start a franchise, he’d be your ideal candidate. He takes care of his business off the field and you know he can handle his business on the field. There’s no shortage of excellence in Pedroia and his willingness to win makes him a keeper. His character alone is enough to warrant praise. As mentioned before he isn’t in the elite when it comes to batting, but he’ll score you runs, he’ll get you total bases, he’ll give you stellar defense, and he won’t strike out that much.

If that doesn’t win you championships, what will?