2012 may have been Dustin Pedroia’s most difficult in the majors. At age 28, he seems at a real crossroads in his career.
Pedroia’s first five seasons showed he had Hall of Fame potential. After a slow start,he rocketed onto the scene in 2007 with a .317 average including 39 doubles, 8 homers and 50 rbi’s. Combined with superior fielding and an excellent postseason (.345 in the ALCS, .278 in the World Series), he was voted AL Rookie of the Year.
If there is a sophomore jinx, Pedroia destroyed it with a vengeance in an MVP performance. He became only third player in major league history to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in consecutive seasons. As the Sox again advanced in the postseason, he raised his average to .326. His 213 hits and 54 doubles led the AL. He also began showing both speed (20 stolen bases) and power (17 homers, 83 rbi’s). He covered lots of ground at second and also emerged as the Sox’ inspirational leader after the retirement of Curt Schilling.
As Sox fortunes began to decline in 09 and 10, Pedroia’s stats also did somewhat, though he was chosen a league all-star two more times. Injuried limited his play to 75 games in 2010, but he still hit a creditable .288. For most of 2011, Dustin appeared to be on a comeback surge. His runs scored topped 100, and, he smashed 37 doubles and a career high 21 homers and 91 rbi’s with 26 stolen bases. His 86 walks were also his best ever. Yet all the positive things that characterized Pedroia and the team evaporated in the catastrophic
September collapse.
Like the team, Pedroia seems a bit lost in 2012. His stats are those of a good-but not great-second baseman. But more important has been his attitude. Long considered a de facto captain, Dustin’s image has suffered as the Sox lurched through crises on and off the field. On a squad headed for perhaps a last-place finish, he has been nearly silent regarding the many blown leads and failures in the clutch. As perhaps the player closest to Terry Francona, he has been accused of fostering ill-feeling toward Bobby V.
No matter who manages the rebuilding Sox in 2013, Pedroia’s role is extremely important. The team obviously needs someone to build around. There will probably be two young players on the left side of the infield and one behind the plate. Big Papi will likely be gone. Perhaps three pitching rotation spots will be up for grabs. In the outfield there are good players, but no real leaders.
Obviously,Pedroia is the man. If he returns to his 07-11 levels, he will not only regain his popularity but-depending on the length of his career- again become a Hall of Fame candidate. We’ll see, Dustin.
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