Dustin Pedroia: Big Game Player

Don’t let the .244 batting average fool you.  The moment Dustin Pedroiaenters Yankee stadium tonight, he will be ready to do battle.  He is the epitome of “Big Game Player.”  The Red Sox have won the first five of six games against the Yankees and Pedroia has been the main reason why.  In the six games, Pedroia has 13 hits in 24 at bats for an .542 Avg. 

We keep waiting for Pedey to break out of his season long slump and playing the Yankees could be the start of it.  The last series against the Athletics, he laced a few balls to right field.  That’s his comfort zone, when he can drive the ball to the opposite field, then you know his timing is spot on.  This former Rookie of the Year and MVP loves this rivalry.  He is the type of player that can raise his level of play at any moment.  He approaches every at bat against the Yankees like it is the bottom of the ninth and two outs.  Like the saying goes, “he lives for this.”  Jon Lester and David Ortiz have the reputation of Yankee killers, add Pedroia’s name to that list.  He will beat them on both sides of the field, with his bat and with his glove.   Will anyone be surprised if we see at least one classic at bat, where he will come to the plate at a crucial point of the game and deliver?  His average may be down but the hits he gets usually have the flare for the dramatic.  If there was ever a time for the “Laser Show,” now is the time

Pedroia is also the vocal team leader, he will be the face in the media these next three days, win or lose.  The Sox are one game out of first place and I believe behind Pedroia the Sox will be heading to Toronto with a two game lead.

Don’t believe me?  Go ask Pedroia himself, I’m sure he will tell you exactley what he thinks.

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