MLB: Now here is some All-Star news to cheer about
By BILL BURT
CNHI Newsa Service
Hooray for Dustin Pedroia. Hooray for family values. Hooray for our twentysomething generation, which might have a smidgen of hope just yet.
Pedroia made the decision to be at his wife Kelli's side the next three days in exchange for the glitz, glamour and prestige that comes with being around the best of the best in baseball at the All-Star game in St. Louis.
The Red Sox second baseman informed Major League Baseball that he was giving up his cherished spot — a starting spot — which he earned as the top vote-getter among American League second basemen.
He didn't lie. It was a tough decision. In fact, he waited until the last possible second — Sunday — just in case there were any changes with his wife's complications relating to her 71/2-month pregnancy.
Nothing changed. Kelli, who is home, is still being monitored closely by her doctors.
"I was hoping Kelli would get better, but she's the same," said Pedroia. "It was a pretty tough decision. I hope everybody understands."
Understands?
Pedroia needs no such empathy. He deserves a gold medal.
Other than the World Series and possibly a few series against the Yankees, the All-Star game is, as they say, all that. Not only is there the national (probably international) spotlight, but it's the one chance where the superstars get to let their guard down among their peers.
We have come a long way when professional athletes/dads not only weren't anywhere near a delivery room, but oftentimes played the games while their wives were having a baby.
"I am disappointed that I will not be able to enjoy the amazing experience with the other All-Stars, especially with my Red Sox teammates, but it is important that I put my family first at this time," said Pedroia.
Manager Terry Francona, who met with Pedroia a few times over the last few days trying to map this all out, probably put it best.
"I asked him, 'Worst case, what is the (scenario)?'" said Francona. "There was a lot of stressing about it. I know it's the right decision."
Congratulations, Dustin. A lot of new moms — and prospective new moms — would agree.
Pena added to AL roster
The other winner with Pedroia's decision, other than Mrs. Pedroia, is our very own Carlos Pena.
The Haverhill, Mass., product was immediately named by Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon as Pedroia's replacement.
Pena leads the American League with 24 homers and is 10th in RBIs with 58 and leads in walks and runs scored. The eye-popping number against his case is his .228 batting average.
Did Pena deserve to make it over Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, who is hitting .321 with 18 homers and 50 RBIs?
That is up for argument, but the fact that all-star managers always seem to make at least one provincial bonus pick makes it a no-brainer.
Last week, when I broached the subject of Pena and a potential All-Star selection, Maddon told me: "Carlos is a star, not only because of is ability on the field but also by what he does in the clubhouse and in our community. The only part of his season that I see getting better is he will hit for a higher average."
Pena will have lots of company in St. Louis, beyond his manager. He will join the rest of the Rays starting infield — third baseman Evan Longoria, shortstop Jason Bartlett and second baseman Ben Zobrist. Left fielder Carl Crawford will also represent the Rays.
Pena's decision to sign a minor league contract with Tampa before the 2007 season is a decision that will be deemed the best of his professional career.
Pedroia, the man who made this all possible, expressed his support for Pena.
"I'm very happy for Carlos," said Pedroia, acknowledging his former teammate. "He's a deserving guy. He's a good guy."
Bill Burt writes for The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover, Mass,
