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Pedroia to play in WBC

Print | Comments () Posted by Chad Finn, Globe Staff December 15, 2008 05:25 PM

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Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, the Globe's Amalie Benjamin has confirmed from a Boston team source. The news was first reported by WEEI.com

Pedroia, who was named the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player after batting .326 with 17 homers, 83 RBIs, and 213 hits, joins Daisuke Matsuzaka as Red Sox players who have committed to playing in the WBC. Matsuzaka was the MVP of the inaugural tournament in 2006, winning all three of his starts, including Japan's victory over Cuba in the championship game.

Also, it has been confirmed that Red Sox starter Josh Beckett will not participate in the tournament, which begins March 5.