Felger & Mazz: Are You Concerned About Dustin Pedroia?
BOSTON (CBS) -- At the quarter mark of the season, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the Boston Red Sox. But Michael Felger didn't think Dustin Pedroia would be one.
Felger has always been a fan of Pedroia, who more times than not comes through when the team needs him, and has defended the second baseman when people have said he's on the decline. While Pedroia has played through injuries the last couple of seasons, Felger was always confident he'd be able to bounce back and would be a big part of why the Red Sox finally turned things around.
But after watching Pedroia struggle in at the plate in a pair of key situations in Boston's 2-1 loss on Wednesday night, Felger is starting to worry about a trend in his game.
"I don't care what the numbers are, he brings an intangible value to your team, he's the heart and soul of your team and by the way, he's a damn good player. If he's healthy, I felt he would have a bounce back year where he's getting MVP votes and things like that," Felger said Thursday. "I've felt he's due for one of those seasons, and I want to know why he's not having it."
In 39 games this season, Pedroia is batting .271 with five homers and 15 RBI. But that average dips to just .154 with runners in scoring position, with Pedroia just 6-for-39 with eight RBI and nine strikeouts.
Tony Massarotti has a simple solution for Pedroia's struggles: He's trying to be a power hitter when he should just focus on putting the ball in play.
"I think when you look at him, he is so intent on proving to people he can hit the ball out of the park again, his overall game is suffering because of it," said Mazz. "He has seven doubles, and this is a guy who typically averages more than 40 per season for his career.
"He has heard so much over the last two years about how his slugging percentage has gone down four years in a row, that he showed up in spring training and said what? 'Watch me this year guys.' So what's happening? I think he's coming out of his shoes and his average has dropped because of it," Mazz concluded.
"I've resisted this for a long time, but I'm beginning to worry about Dustin Pedroia," said Felger.
