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September 6, 2007

Matsuzaka: Pedroia Rookie of the Year

One day in Yankee Stadium last week manager Terry Francona crossed paths with Daisuke Matsuzaka and tossed a question Dice-K's way.

"I asked him about the rookie of the year, and he had an interesting answer," said Francona this afternoon. "He said, 'I've already been Rookie of the Year (in Japan, the Pacific League award in 1999). Then he pointed to (Sox second baseman Dustin) Pedroia and he said, 'That's the Rookie of the Year.' That's a pretty mature remark. I loved his attitude."

The Sox have three strong Rookie of the Year candidates -- Matsuzaka (14-11, 4.11), Pedroia (.329) and left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima (3-2, 1.79). Players from the Japanese League are eligible for the major league award because, even though they may have numerous years of professional baseball under their belts in their native country, this is their first year in the big leagues here.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Comments

With a runner in scoring position, the batter I want up in preferable order:

1. Pedroia
2. Ellsbury
3. Lowell
4. Ortiz

Pedroia/Lowell are my MVP candidates

Gagnon | September 6, 2007 11:37 PM link

I hear ya, Gagnon, but I gotta go with Ortiz and Manny. You are right, Pedroia and Lowell are having nice second halves and coming through big time. Need Drew to turn it around in the play-offs. Our chances look good - it would be something to win another World Series.

MSC in FLA | September 7, 2007 5:55 PM link