Congratulations to Dustin Pedroia, 2008 American League Most Valuable Player.
As amazing as that sounds, it is a well-deserved honor. Along with Kevin Youkilis, who finished third in the voting, Pedroia was the heart and soul of the team that overcame so much adversity to come within one game of reaching the World Series.
The numbers weren't spectacular, but they were very solid -- a .326 average with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs while establishing franchise records for a season by a second baseman in runs, hits, doubles, batting average, total bases, and extra-base hits. he also stole 20 bases in 21 attempts and did play a spectacular second base.
He hit all over the lineup and may have won the award when he was called on to bat cleanup for a week after the Manny Ramirez trade and went 12-for-18, driving the bal for power and filling the cleanup role to perfection.
In just his second year in the Big Leagues, Pedroia now has a trophy case full of hardware. He can slide the MVP award next to his Rookie of the Year award and World Series ring from last year and his gold glove and silver slugger award from this season.
Dustin becomes just the fourth AL second baseman to win the award -- the first since Nelie Fox in 1959 -- and 10th all-time. All of the other winners who are eligible for the Hall of Fame are in it.
When and if Jason Varitek retires or leaves the Sox, expect Pedroia to become the next captain of the team and hold that position for a very long time.
Congratulations Dustin on a job well done. Now it's time for Youk to build on his great season and win the MVP next season en route to the Sox reclaiming the World Series title.
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