The slumping Bobby Dalbec got some advice from a Red Sox legend
Dustin Pedroia is enjoying the comforts of retirement but he can still have an impact on the Boston Red Sox. The former second baseman is a phone call away for anyone in need of a pep talk, as the slumping Bobby Dalbec recently was.
Dalbec entered the season with high expectations following the impressive power display that he showcased during his first stint in the majors last year. He’s struggled to live up to the hype, batting a meager .191 with a .576 OPS through 27 games.
Certain metrics show that Dalbec is hitting the ball well despite that it rarely falls in for a hit. While he’s overdue for some positive regression, Dalbec can’t be discouraged by the results. He needs to remain focused to work through this slump knowing that his fortunes will eventually change. That’s when the advice from someone who has been through it before can be useful so when Pedroia had a message for him, the rookie was eager to listen.
"“Just gotta grind through it. It’s never as bad as it seems,” Dalbec said during his postgame Zoom press conference, per NESN. “It’s never as good as it seems. It’s the whole ride the wave thing. … He’s awesome.”"
If there’s anyone who can relate to what Dalbec is going through, it’s Pedroia, who struggled in is first taste of major league action. A rough patch to begin the 2007 season saw Pedroia batting .158 through 14 games, prompting many to wonder if the promising young second baseman needed more seasoning in the minors. The Red Sox stuck with him and Pedroia rewarded that faith by earning Rookie of the Year honors on his way to playing a vital role for the World Series champions. Pedroia captured the AL MVP the following year and went on to establish himself as one of the greatest second basemen in franchise history.
Dalbec, who entered this season with some Rookie of the Year buzz, aims for a similar turnaround from his miserable start. The first signs that Pedroia’s advice is working may have emerged Friday night in Baltimore when Dalbec delivered a two-hit performance, including a three-run homer. Dalbec hammered a hanging curve, pulling it 399 feet to left field to expand Boston’s lead in the fourth inning.
BOBBY SAYS BOOM 💣 pic.twitter.com/4BZLsbNWTm
— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 8, 2021
Perhaps this is the performance that triggers a power surge from the bat of Dalbec. We know the potential is there, he just needs to grind through the tough times until fortune flips in his favor. Dalbec can’t be expected to match the prolific pace he set last year when he homered eight times in 23 games but he’s not nearly as bad as the hitter we’ve seen this year.
Just ride the wave. Pretty good advice from the long-time Red Sox second baseman. Pedroia’s playing days are behind him but that doesn’t mean he can’t find ways to contribute. If his advice helps a struggling rookie get back on track, add that to the long list of accomplishments that Pedroia has accumulated with this franchise.