Dustin Pedroia Wins 2008 AL MVP

The unbelievable season of Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia came to a close Tuesday as he was named American League MVP for the 2008 season. Pedroia hit .326 (second in AL) with 17 homers and 83 RBI. He ranked first in the league with 118 runs, 213 hits, and 54 doubles. He also took home his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards and was named to start the All-Star Game. Pedroia joins Cal Ripken, Jr. and Ryan Howard as the only players to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in consecutive years. He is the first AL second baseman to win the award since Nellie Fox did so in 1959. Pedroia earned 16 of 28 first place votes, one of five players to earn first place nods. Minnesota's Justin Morneau finished second. Closer Francisco Rodriguez finished sixth overall. And by the way, we called it last night . For more Dusty greatness in acting, here you go .   Josh Nason started Small White Ball in 2007 and is the main contributor of content for the site. He can be reached at ... (link)