Nov 19, 2008 4:58 am US/Central
Boston's Dustin Pedroia Wins American League MVP
NEW YORK (AP) ―
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Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. (File)
Elsa/Getty Images
Boston's Dustin Pedroia won the AL MVP award Tuesday, becoming the first second baseman to earn the honor in nearly a half-century.
Pedroia easily beat out Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau and added to his ever-expanding trophy case. The Red Sox star was the top AL rookie last year while winning a World Series ring.
Nellie Fox was the last second baseman to become AL MVP, in 1959 with the White Sox.
Pedroia drew 16 of the 28 first-place votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished with 317 points.
It was a scattered ballot, with five players receiving first-place votes. Pedroia was even left off one ballot -- Morneau and Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis were listed on every one.
Morneau got seven first-place votes and had 257 points. Youkilis and Twins catcher Joe Mauer each got a pair of first-place votes. Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels drew the other first-place nod and came in sixth.
Pedroia led the AL in hits, runs and doubles in helping the Red Sox win the AL wild-card berth. He batted .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs and also stole 20 bases.
Pedroia quickly became a fan favorite at Fenway Park with his meaty swings and gritty approach. This year, in a lineup depleted with injuries to David Ortiz and Mike Lowell and the midseason trade of Manny Ramirez, Pedroia took his hearty hacks at the plate wherever needed -- while he usually batted second, he also hit leadoff and cleanup.
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