The Red Sox and Dodgers have two players missing the World Series over injuries. Corey Seager and Dustin Pedroia have a similar past, but a different future may await.
The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have now accomplished what 28 other teams had set for a goal and that is to reach the World Series. During the season the rosters for both teams shifted as they do for all teams. Players are promoted or demoted, traded away, acquired by trade, or the most disappointing aspect and that is losing opportunity due to injury.
For the Dodgers, it was shortstop Corey Seager who at 24-years-old is on the cusp of an excellent career with already having been named National League Rookie of the Year (2016). Seager went down after only 26 games with a UCL injury requiring Tommy John Surgery. To add to his injury miseries Seager had minor hip surgery in early August.
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The injury history of Dustin Pedroia is well documented as his knee surgery from last year has not responded as expected. For Pedroia, his season lasted just three games and produced a lone hit before Pedroia had to return to the disabled list. Pedroia – like Seager – is a former Rookie of the Year, but also a former Most Valuable Player. Now he sits and watches as does Seager.
The injuries to both had ramifications for their respected teams during the season and both teams management addressed the issue. For the Dodgers, it was the rental of free agent to be Manny Machado who hit .273 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI in 66 games.
The Red Sox eventually went and brought in veteran Ian Kinsler to steady the situation at second base. Kinsler’s hitting may not be on the level it was a few seasons ago, but the defense is the key and Kinsler represented an upgrade over second base by committee.
Both Seager and Pedroia are excellent players and easily fit into the star category. Both happen to be .300 career hitters and both can hit with power. Physically they are mismatched with Seager standing 6’4″ and weighing 220 pounds. Pedroia a wee bit less in physical stature. Seager hits left-handed and Pedroia right.
Where the difference may surface is the future and Seager has youth on his side while Pedroia is well into baseball middle age. Seager’s recovery apparently is on schedule and Pedroia’s is highly questionable. The reality is Pedroia’s injury may just end his career.
For both, they will get a ring if their team wins. For Pedroia he already has two and Seager missed out last season, but that ring may be a hollow award if one has to sit and be relegated to cheering on teammates. Knowing the intensity of Pedroia the frustration level may be off the charts.
Seager will be back again to the playoffs and possibly the World Series. The Dodgers have a bright future and Seager most certainly will be an intricate part of it even if the Dodgers open up their cable income inflated wallets and sign Machado. For Pedroia, this may have been the last chance opportunity. Hopefully, Pedroia will return.