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Golden Boy
November 6, 2008
11.6.
08, 2:18 PM
Golden Boy
Pedroia Wins AL Gold Glove Award
By: Jared Carrabis
For the first time since 1972, the Red Sox have themselves a Gold Glove award winning second baseman.
One of the greatest, if not the greatest, defensive player in Major League history, Ozzie Smith, preached that saving a run with your glove was just as important as hitting the ball out of the ballpark.
Pedroia's .992 fielding percentage was second among American League second basemen. Mark Ellis of the Oakland Athletics posted a .993 fielding percentage to lead the American League in that category. Nonetheless, Pedroia played almost 364 full innings more than Ellis -- an entire 40 more games played. Pedroia finished the season with 165 more total chances than Ellis and made just 6 just errors in 733 total chances.
The last Red Sox second baseman to win the AL Gold Glove award at that position was Doug Griffin following the 1972 season. Just for the sake of comparison, Pedroia made a whole 9 less errors in 2008 than Griffin in 1972 and Pedroia's fielding percentage was also 14 points higher than that of the former Red Sox second baseman of the early 70's.
Along with Pedroia, eight other worthy American Leaguers were awarded the Gold Glove.
They included:
Pitcher - Mike Mussina (NYY)
Catcher - Joe Mauer (MIN)
First Base - Carlos Pena (TB)
Third Base - Adrian Beltre (SEA)
Shortstop - Michael Young (TEX)
Outfield - Torii Hunter (LAA)
Outfield - Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)
Outfield - Grady Sizemore (CLE)
For Hunter and Ichiro, this marks the eighth straight year each has one a Gold Glove. Meanwhile, it was Mussina's sixth selection, and first since 2003, while Beltre and Sizemore now have two apiece (each also won it last season). For Mauer, Young, and Pena, the honor marks their first Gold Glove award, although Young will be assured of a few more in the years to come.
Likewise, the Gold Glove awarded to Pedroia was the first of his young yet already successful career, and it certainly will not be his last either. The slick-fielding second baseman with no regard for injury with his do-or-die style of play is just beginning his legacy here with the Boston Red Sox. Pedroia now awaits the announcement of some more hardware on November 18 -- when he, teammate Kevin Youkilis, and the Twins' Justin Morneau will find out the final voting results for the AL Most Valuable Player award.
-Jared Carrabis
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