The AL MVP of the year was just revealed, and two prominent Red Sox figured into the voting: Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. Alas, only one person can win and the victor was Dustin Pedroia!
Congratulations to the diminutive second baseman! His ferocious hitting, determined fielding and high character spurned Boston to within one game of the World Series.
Pedroia, 24, arguably had a better year than his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2007. He hit .326/.376/.493 with 17 HR, 118 R and 83 RBI in 653 at-bats. The second-baseman also showed incredible aptitude with the glove and displayed the type of attitude that has me believing he will eventually be named the Red Sox captain at some point in time.
His partner on the right side of the infield, 29-year old Youkilis, may have had a career year in 2008. He hit .312/.390/.569 with 29 HR, 91 R and 115 RBI in 538 AB, missing time with injury. He stepped into the cleanup spot vacated by Manny “Quitter” Ramirez and filled the hole very capably.
The two were both All-Stars for the first time and Pedroia also took home the Silver Slugger for second basemen while Youkilis was tabbed the Hank Aaron winner, an award for the best hitter in a league. (How you can win this and not a Silver Slugger boggles the mind.) Pedroia also was named the Gold Glove winner for second base in 2008, meaning in just two years in the bigs, Pedroia has captured all major awards an active hitter can receive.
Great job, Dustin! Now, how the heck can you have a better third season? Is a Cy Young in your future?