Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ There's a bumper sticker above Jon Lester's locker that reads: "MVPedroia."

The Red Sox pitcher, who was outstanding in his Game One ALDS victory over the Angels, isn't the only player in the clubhouse who feels Dustin Pedroia is the club's MVP for the regular season. And, just because he's 0-for-8 heading into Sunday's Game Three at Fenway Park, there's no cause for concern.

Pedroia, who finished with a .283 average, two homers and 10 RBI in 14 postseason games last October, began the 2007 ALDS against the Angels in similar fashion as this year. He went 2-for-13 (.154) in three-game sweep last season, but he's not concerned with personal success at this point.

"It's all about winning right now," he said. "That's all that counts. I'll go 0-for-5 any day of the week for a win. I got enough hits (213) on the year."

He squared up a ball in Game Two and narrowly missed a home run before the ball was caught at the left-field wall. He feels he's having good at-bats and it's only a matter of time before he busts out.

"I hit the ball good," he said. "That stuff happens. It happened to me last year in the first couple of game. It's tough because for me it's about getting into a rhythm. You play a game and then have a day off. I need to see pitches."

The Red Sox had an optional workout yesterday at Fenway Park and everyone attended. The club took regular batting practice, which Pedroia hopes will get him going in the right direction for tonight's game.

 Tags  Dustin Pedroia Red Sox

---