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PREGAME: Tito more than manages »
October 28, 2007
BYJOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- From the first day Dustin Pedroia became a Red Sox player, his obvious goal was to reach this level.
In his first full season in the majors, the down-and-dirty second baseman has been one of the main ingredients in the winning formula for Boston and now he’s a step closer to become a World Series champion.
Pedroia, a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, earned some valuable experience in the final month of the 2006 season when he was a September call-up and was able to get a feel for how the Red Sox operated.
Heading into spring training prior to this year he just wanted to make the team, never mind think about a World Series title.
''I just wanted to do anything I could to help the team win,'' he said prior to Game Four of the World Series at Coors Field on Sunday. ''I knew our team goals were obviously win the American League East and win the World Series. We’re one game away from accomplishing both of those. But we’re still a long ways away. That’s a great ballclub over there and we’ve got to find a way to win one more game.''
His postseason resume is quickly writing itself.
Entering Game Four Sunday night, he had scored 12 runs to tie Derek Jeter (1996) for most ever by a rookie in a single postseason. After hitting just .172 in the first seven postseason games, Pedroia’s offensive has been outstanding over the last six contests, including a .444 average (12-for-27) with 4 doubles, 2 homers, 9 RBI, 5 runs and 4 walks.
Posted by Art Martone 
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