Boston’s Embodiment Earns Payday, Praise

On Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox retained Dustin Pedroia. Pedroia signed a 6-year, $40.5 million contract. “I wanted to be here a long time,” he said. “Hopefully in the next six years we can win some championships.”

During his career, Pedroia has batted .313 with 27 home runs and 140 runs batted in. In 2008, Pedroia won the American League Most Valuable Player Award. He raked .326 with 17 home runs and 83 runs batted in. He also registered 213 hits, 118 runs scored, 54 doubles, and 20 stolen bases. “He embodies just about everything we look for in a Red Sox player, and that makes this a great day for the organization,” said General Manager Theo Epstein. “Dustin plays hard, first and foremost, all the time. He plays to win. He plays for his teammates, not himself. What's not to like? If we had 25 guys like him, we'd be in good shape. I don't think we'd be the Red Sox right now without Dustin Pedroia.”

Athletic respect is clichéd and worthless. Every opponent is excellent. Every performer is exemplary. When Pedroia is praised, the aforesaid recoups value. One remembers respect is earned.