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Red Sox clubhouse packed »
April 10, 2007
No, not Pedro Martinez. We're talking about Red Sox second baseman Dustin PEDROia.
The rookie, known as Pedro to his teammates, is starting at second for today's home-opener against the Mariners and batting in the ninth spot.
Pedro made his major-league debut last Aug. 22 against the Angels in Anaheim, and today will be his first MLB home-opener at Fenway Park.
"It was a long road trip," he said. "Now we're just excited to be home."
The four-year pro has quickly moved up the Sox' organizational ladder and now that he's in Boston, likely on a full-time basis, he just wants to keep it simple. He admitted only moments ago that he tried to do too much last August.
"My job is just to go out and do anything I can to help the team win," he said. "I'm not worried about anything else but that. That's all I can focus on and it makes it a lot easier to come to the yard."
Pedroia's introduction to the majors has come with a bit of history in the background. Last summer David Ortiz became the Sox' all-time single-season home run leader when he belted 54, surpassing Jimmie Foxx (50 in 1938). This season Pedro is experiencing the globalization of the game with the Dice-K and Okajima.
"Last year with David I was like 'wow, this is awesome.' It's great, but we just want to win. It's awesome to watch, but I just want to win."
Pedro has a strong work ethic and it's on display right now. He working on DPs with fellow middle infielder Alex Cora.
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 11:02 AM | Permalink
