Here is a sampling of the reaction to Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia winning the 2008 AL MVP.
First up is the man himself:
[flash http://ianbethune.com/pedroiareact.FLV w=425 h=300]
video courtesy of WBZ
Statement from the Boston Red Sox:
The Boston Red Sox congratulate Dustin Pedroia on winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award in just his sophomore season in the major leagues. It is a well-deserved honor, and we are delighted that his outstanding season has been recognized in this way. The .326 batting average, 213 hits, 118 runs, 54 doubles, 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases do not tell the whole story of how valuable Dustin was to the team in 2008. He also played gritty Gold Glove defense, and served as the igniting spark plug in our clubhouse all year.
We would also like to congratulate Kevin Youkilis on his third place finish in the MVP voting. Truly, both Dustin and Kevin played integral roles in our 2008 season. Finally, we take great pride in the fact that both Dustin and Kevin were drafted and developed by the Red Sox. It is a great tribute to our Baseball Operations, Scouting and Player Development staff.
More reaction after the jump.
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis who finished third in the voting:
[flash http://ianbethune.com/youkilisreact.FLV w=425 h=300]
video courtesy of WBZ
Red Sox skipper Terry Francona:
“The game will never change,” said Francona. “But you put him in any era, on any team, and he will be a star and a leader. There are a lot of things that make him special. One of them is the fact he wakes up every morning and wants to kick somebody’s [butt].
“That’s part of him. I get to see him more than anybody, so maybe I respect him more than anybody. I love that. It takes all kinds. Some guys wake up and they’ll play the game, and then they’ll go home. With Pedey, it stays with him a little bit. That’s the kind of kid he is.”
“Oh, I think he’ll be in Boston after I’m done managing,” Francona said. “If he stays healthy, he’s such a good player and he has so many different ways to beat you. He’s such a good defender, but he’s a better defender when the game is on the line. He’s a good baserunner, but he’s a better baserunner when the game is on the line. He’s great hitter and he’s a better hitter when the game is on the line. Those are all great traits that we really respect.”
“We have not seen his best.”
More reaction after the jump.
PawSox manager Ron Johnson:
“It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon right now, saying, ‘I knew this guy was going to be a star,’ but the first time I saw him in Pawtucket after spring training I was like, ‘What in the world?’ Then you start watching him play and you realize what he brings to the ballclub every single day, and then you start realizing his value.”
“We spend so much time evaluating tools, mechanics, swings, bodies, arm strength and all those things. Then this guy just goes out and basically puts the barrel of the bat to the ball, and when it’s hit to him, he catches it. It’s very impressive. You look at his numbers and you think, ‘Oh my God.’ It’s phenomenal.”
Jason McLeod, Red Sox director of amateur scouting:
“Cleary it was Dustin that day,” recalls McLeod. “He played liked the way we get to see him play every day in Boston. He did everything on the field and made all the plays at short. He hit line drives into the gaps. We thought, ‘Wow. This kid is going to be a really good college player.
The instructor said, “I know that little shortstop impressed a lot of you guys, but this is a classic example of evaluating with your heart. You want to root for this kid because of his stature and how hard he plays,” recalls McLeod. “But those aren’t the type of guys who play in the major leagues.”
“Dustin has played up to our expectations,” said McLeod. “We were convinced he could play in the major leagues and have a good career.”
“I don’t think any of us could have sat there and told you that he would win the Rookie of the Year and then follow that up with an MVP season,” admitted McLeod. “We are not surprised because of his determination and confidence level he brings to the park every day.”
From around the Red Sox blogosphere:
Curt Schilling, 38 Pitches: Congrats you little #@!$!
Texas Gal, Center Field: The Widdlest Pedwoya
Travis, Around the Bases: Pedroia Wins MVP
Jeff Louderback, Sox and Pinstripes: Dustin Pedroia – American League MVP
Joy of Sox: Pedroia Wins AL MVP
Wicked Good Sports Red Sox Blog: Pedroia for MVP…but What Was More Satisfying?
YFSF: Soothy
Red Sox feel the best is yet to come for MVP Pedroia [Providence Journal]
