With Red Sox Surging Pedroia Has Been The Sparkplug, MVP

Five weeks ago, 2B Dustin Pedroia saved the Boston Red Sox from the embarrassment of being no-hit at Fenway Park. Now the gritty and beloved second baseman has saved the team's season.  Pedroia, who turned 25 last month, has been red hot with the bat since the beginning of August, turning in 11 multiple hit games, including back-to-back four-hit games over the weekend. He has been the spark-plug for the Red Sox after the team got a face lift when they traded star outfielder Manny Ramirez.  Since the now famous day "Manny being Manny" was sent packing the Red Sox are 20-9, and have created some breathing room in the wild-card race. Pedroia has had plenty of help along the way, and most of the help wasn't even on the roster at the beginning of the year. Since August 1st, newly acquired LF Jason Bay has filled in more than adequately for the departed Ramirez, hitting with a .313 batting average, .353 on-base %, and .513 slugging % along with 4 HR and 29 RBI.  SS Jed Lowrie, who ... (link)