Today, I woke up like most days. Groggy and pissed off at yesterday Cooper for setting an alarm. But the sun was shining and I hit the gym after a coffee and delicious blueberry scones from Whole Foods (Jeff Bezos please sponsor us). The day was going peachy keen. I even felt motivated enough to rent some books for my classes that I had procrastinated on. Then, out of the blue, the big sad hit.
The big sad is the piece of news I was pushing to the back of my mind once game 162 ended back in September. Dustin Pedroia retiring. It was a very real scenario, ever since that early season press conference where he said he wanted to take time not to primarily focus on rehabbing but to spend time with his family. At the end of the season, he did an interview with Rob Bradford that seemed unexpectedly positive and made it seem as if his knee might be good for 2020. I took this and ran with it like he was going to have an MVP season because at the time it was the only positive news coming out of the Sox.
I won’t say it’s a “fool me once” type of deal, because I’m not disappointed in Pedroia for getting my hopes up. I don’t get how anybody could be mad at the guy. I mean I’ve seen legit takes about him needing to just retire since he’s a cash vacuum. Those people aren’t wrong. The Red Sox have a ton of money wrapped up in Pedey, because that’s what you do when you have great players. You pay them. A lot. But those people aren’t real fans. If all you care about is just winning title after title you aren’t a real fan. A real fan is invested in the team and the story and Pedroia is as big of a plotline for the Boston Red Sox story arch as some of its greats.
Dustin Pedroia came into the league with a chip on his shoulder and never forgot about it. He was well-liked in Boston because he had that chip and the gritty personality that wanted you to doubt him. He was a Dirt Dog, he was the Lazer Show, he was Pedey. He was someone that made me fall in love with baseball, and I’m sure I am not alone.
Today, Pete Abraham reported Pedroia suffered a setback in regards to rehabbing his knee that would put Spring Training out of the picture. Along with the report was that there was no decision on his career and no statement would come out until he talks with his family.
I want to preface this with, whatever happens, Pedroia is a Red Sox great so long as the sun keeps rising. There is zero debate as to the legacy he will have with three World Series rings, and playing an instrumental role in two of those. He will have 15 retired someday up alongside Ted, Carl, Jim, and Papi. His name will always be spoken when the history of these past 20 years of Boston greatness is told.
I think everyone knows Pedroia is in the final chapter of his playing career, it’s just a matter of him figuring that out. I hope he gets to take the field one more time in 2020. Even if it’s just to get an at-bat or take one more leap before a pitch is thrown at the second base position. I know I’ll be there for that moment even if I gotta sell an organ. But regardless of where the next few pages take us…
Pedroia, thank you!
Anything But E 