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Pedroia to skip All-Star Game
Dustin Pedroia, voted by fans as the starting second baseman for the American League, will miss this year's All-Star Game in St. Louis to attend to his pregnant and hospitalized wife, Pedroia said in a statement released by the Red Sox.
Pedroia stressed about the decision all week. He consulted with manager Terry Francona, general manager Theo Epstein, and his wife, Kelli Pedroia.
"This was certainly not an easy decision," Pedroia said in the statement. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for the game of baseball and for the All-Star Game and am incredibly honored that the fans voted me this year’s starting second baseman for the American League. 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."
Pedroia missed Monday's game against Oakland because his wife went into premature labor. Doctors were able to stabilize Kelli Pedroia, who is due at the end of August, and Dustin was back in the lineup Tuesday. He got the winning hit in Friday night's game and had two more hits Saturday. Since last Sunday, the day before Pedroia's wife went into the hospital, Pedroia is 13 for 27, perhaps the best stretch of his season.
"He always focuses," Francona said. "When he plays and gets on the field, he has an amazing ability to play the game. Regardless of what's going on, he's a good player. That's not going to take away from being a good player. I'm sure he's been thinking about other things at times. He's just a real good player."
Francona watched Pedroia struggle all week witht the decision, and yesterday he helped convince Pedroia his family should take precedence over the game.
"Real tough," Francona said. "Probably tougher than even people realize. Because of his character, he was really having a tough time. I hope when it came down to it, I actually hope I influenced him. I'm not taking credit, but I hope I did.
"Yesterday, I said, 'Pedey, look. What's the worst-case scenario if you don't go to the All-Star Game?' He said, 'Well, I'm mad.' I said, 'What's the worst-case scenario if you go and Kelli is not ... ' And he said, 'I can't go.'
"I think he has been stressing about it," Francona continued. "I think Kelli has been stressing about it. It's not something he took remotely lightly at all. I know it's the right decision. Because you can't predict the future, it's the only decision."
Pedroia admitted before Sunday's game against the Royals that he'd been thinking long and hard about the decision.
“It was pretty tough, obviously I’ve got to be with my wife right now,” Pedroia said. “It’s more important. Obviously I’m extremely honored to be selected by the fans. I wish I could be there, but I hope everybody understands.”
“She’s kind of the same right now,” Pedroia said of his wife's condition. “That’s one of the reasons I was hoping she’d get better. That’s why I put it off to the last minute. But hopefully the next few days she gets better.”
Pedroia also wished his replacement, Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays, the best of luck.
“I’m extremely excited for him I hope he enjoys the experience and has a great time,” he said. “It’s awesome. I’m pulling for the American league for sure.”
You made the right decision Dustin. You're an all-star on and off the field. Best wishes to you and your family.
I will miss seeing Pedey in the All-Star game, but I am grateful that the Sox and their leaders are so encouraging and supportive of the players when called upon to attend to their personal needs. This is all part of the healthy (family-oriented) Team environment that makes the Sox such a dominating force in baseball today. I'm old enough to remember the days when the Sox were known for "25 players, 25 taxicabs" and this is so much better for the Team, the town, and Red Sox nations as a whole.
In related news, we are all relieved to hear that Manny Ramirez' grandmother happens to be feeling much better these days.
Dustin - you are a good man!
There is only one time in your life that you will await your first child. You have made the right decision. My family will keep yours in our prayers.
Absolutely the correct decision.
How pathetic that Maddon chose his own Carlos Pena over a second baseman such as Ian Kinsler to replace Pedroia.
Good one, Joe the Drunk! I did actually LOL!
Great decision Dustin. Your most important job title is not 2nd baseman...it is father. Take care of your wife and child. The game and your Red Sox family will always be there rooting you on!
An Allstar you are and an Allstar you will be, next to your wife. You are one hell of a ballplayer, but your an even better husband! We are all hoping the best for you and your wife.
Pedey ... life is way too short to stress about the All Star game. Family is the most important thing you have going for you .... be with your wife ... she needs you now. You have many more All Star games to be a part of in the future .... Red Sox Nation is behind you 100% in your decision.
Best Of Luck to Kelli & You .... things will be just fine ...
Bravo Dustin!
The right decision. Best wishes with everything, Dustin!
Dustin, there is only "1" decision to make. Your wife and family are far more important. Props to Tito for making sure you are comfortable in that decision. Any fan that doesn't recognize this is not "YOUR" fan.
How can anyone hate this guy? On-field and off, nothing but good. Now go make sure your wife and our future SS (maybe by THEN we'll have it figured out) come out OK.
so what about the 10 game road trip right after the All Star game? if she is due late August there are a lot of games to miss. It is all part of the job people.
A man with his priorities straight. Hope all goes well with the pregnancy and birth
As was said by Tito (I think) there was only one decision and you made the right one Dustin, glad to have you represent the Red Sox on and off the field. My best to you and your wife........GCC
You´re gonna be an All Star dad!! Count on my prayers Pedroias! Everything's going to be fine! Regards from Mexico - the Red Sox Nation reaches all the way down here.
Having a bday the end of august-80th -- I commend Dustin in putting your family first. Everything will be fine as she is far enough along in her pregnancy .
He has taken the correct decision, as all fans who voted for him will agree.
Another prima donna player thinking they are above the game.
Best wishes to Kelli and Dustin. Really hoping all works out.
Pregnant ladies everywhere love Pedey.
I'm surprised they didn't pick another second baseman. This leaves them with one 2b on the AL team. Not a good thing.
Great choice young man... your priorities are spot on and intact. Think about the wonderful example you are setting for all those young fans who have your poster in their room. Family above all... even an All-Star Game. That is the stuff that true role models should be made of.
Dustin, you have made the right decision. Family comes first. You are a great all star and husband and father to be. God bless you and your family! We'll be seeing you in next years all star game for sure!!
can't believe he was even stressing over this decision. it's a no-brainer.
By skipping the All-Star Game, Dustin Pedroia is dishonoring baseball and insulting the fans who voted him in. If he wants to take a few days off, he should just say so rather than hand us some malarkey about putting his 'family first'.
Only kidding. I just wanted to add a counterpoint.
I doubt that Pedroia reads these comments so everyone commendng Pedroia sounds pretty ridiculous...
Pedey - you are doing the right thing, hard as it is - I hope you know that the thoughts and prayers of MANY Red sox fans are with you and Kelli during these days. We love you and respect you even more than before - if that is possible - for this decision.
Dustin; you have my respect. I'm proud that my grandson zeroed in on you as his idol. He wears your name proudly. You flipped him a ball in Toronto, and he prizes it. I love the way you play the game of baseball, and I love the way you play the game of life. Good luck to you, Kelli, and family.
All Star Game Or Pregnant wife in Hospital...hhhmmm. It is an easy choice you stay with the wife, don't lie about a hard choice cause it is the right PR thing to say. To me you look more like a loser making that statement
Family always come first! I'm proud of your decision. You will never have any regrets about this one, Dustin!
Pedey, don't worry! There'll be plenty more all-star games for you, but the birth of your 1st baby only comes once! I'm sure Kelli wants you with her at this scary time. Glad you have the break to be with her. Our prayers are with you. Hope all goes well and the Red Sox will soon have a new minor leaguer in the pipeline!
to duck: they have zobrist so he will probably play 2nd base and he will probably start now because joe maddon loves him
hope everything goes well pedey!
You're a class act all the way, Pedey -- kudos to you for making the right decision, and best wishes to you and Kelli for a healthy baby! Your career is young yet, and you'll have many more opportunities to be part of the All-Star Game.
Good for you Dustin...My best wished and prayers for you and your wife. You made the right decision. We all konw you are "an all-star" without going to the game!
Good show---Dustin. you did the right thing. Classy statement too.
Hope all comes out well.
Best wishes to Dustin and his family.
As for the one or two negative comments above, all I can say is, if you work hard and are fortunate, someday you may understand life's real priorities as well as Mr. Pedroia obviously does.
I can't believe the few negative comments posted. Dustin made the right choice to be with his family, there is no dishonoring the fans & the game of baseball.
As for the comments by someone posted earlier : " It is an easy choice you stay with the wife, don't lie about a hard choice cause it is the right PR thing to say. To me you look more like a loser making that statement", I can understand why it was a difficult decision because this is a sincere young man who takes the game he plays seriously. He is the opposite a player like Manny Ramirez who disrespected the game and fans with the way he "dogged it" for many games instead of being a man, and playing up to his ability as a way to force a trade.
I only hope we have this young man as a player with the Red Sox for years to come, as he is a true example of a great player who younger players can look up to as a true "team leader".
I wish all players were like this kid. Reminds me of Nellie Fox or even Pete Rose. True gamer MVP and a priviledge to watch as a Sox fan.
For $40 million dollars you need to show up and do your job. He's a second baseman not a doctor- what will he do at home? Will Dustin skip every game until the baby is born? Way to let the fans that spent time voting down.
God bless you and your wife, Dustin.
The Red Sox wives work their butts off all season long supporting various charities. Kelli needs you now.
Red Sox Nation understands that there will be other All-Star Games for you.
No need to agonize over this decision.
Good luck.
I checked out the derivations of Tweed and McCarthy. They both mean the same in Greek..
TOOLS
That's why Pedroia got the votes. He's a class act all the way! Best wishes for a happy, healthy baby.
Pedroia, you should be having your baby with me :(
I speak for a number of us twenty-five time voters for Dustin Pedroia. He did the right thing and we're still proud as punch and happy to vote for him again next year...and for many years to come, we hope!
What if he were skipping a series with the Yankees?
If my wife had to choose between going into labor with her slobbering, know-nothing, sports-obsessed husband at her bedside or at home watching his man Dustin in the All Star game far away from the most meaningful and singularly connected moment she will ever have with any human being, I would really suspect she would choose the latter.
"For $40 million dollars you need to show up and do your job. He's a second baseman not a doctor- what will he do at home? Will Dustin skip every game until the baby is born? Way to let the fans that spent time voting down. "
True comments by a 7 dollar an hour worker with nothing better to do than whine or is it welfare baby maker? Get a real life and leave the game of baseball to the ones who care. End of Story.
Dustin you did the right thing Good luck with your family! I personally have no issue in the choices made (NEUTRAL). Every manager has that right - right or wrong.
I can't imagine that even one fan who voted for Pedroia would have a problem with him skipping the All Star game for this reason. As has now been said many times before, he made the right decision and will never regret it. And thanks to Francona and the Red Sox organization for wholeheartedly supporting his decision.
You can always expect a dou*hebag comment or two on these blogs and sure enough they were here today. Timmy, I'm sure you're just being a contrarian because you crave attention, but I'm pretty sure that he'd let more fans down if he didn't stay with his wife during this time.
I'm glad that Dustin made the right choice to skip the All-Star Game to be with Kelli, who went into PREMATURE LABOR with their first child. The health of his wife and unborn child are far more important than the game. To those that made the negative comments about him, shame on you! What if he had decided to stay on the roster for the game and something tragic happened to both his wife and baby? How would you all feel then? Think before you make your negative comments about him. Besides, he'll more than likely get voted to go to the All-Star Game next year.
A no brainer................Best to you and your family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it's pathetic that this was a tough decision. It should have taken him all of 1 second to decide to be with his wife. I'm glad Dustin isn't my husband! His wife and family will be there long after his baseball career is over.
As much as I would have loved to see Dustin start at 2nd base on Tuesday night, obviously Kelli's health, and the health of their soon-to-be-born son is much more important. I'm sure Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, Jason Bay, and Kevin Youkilis will be thinking about Pedey while participating in the All Star festivities in St. Louis. Dustin is young, and if his career keeps going the way it's gone so far, he'll have plenty more All Star selections.
Best wishes to Dustin and Kelli Pedroia!!
Joe Maddon is a complete a buffoon. Let's face it guys Pedey is a stud and a gamer, but he's no KINSLER. To slight this guy for the third time now is completely ridiculous. His numbers are better than every 2nd baseman in this game. Count on classless Maddon to try and use both Yankee and Red Sox starters for his future benefit. This clown will use everything to his advantage!!
Dustin you made the right desition. Best to you and Kelli.
Right decision, for sure. Good job kiddo!
Dustin, your decision to put your wife and child first, are the reason you're an All-Star!
Dustin did the right thing. We know where his heart is and he's a good person who plays to win every single day - this is totally not a Manny's Grandma situation!! :)
There will be many more All-Star games for Dustin. Right now he needs to be with his wife.
Take care of yourself & Kello. There will be other All Star games! Wishing you the best
Take care of yourself & Kelli. There will be other All Star games! Wishing you the best
Boy, you all are missing the point here. Dustin and wife don't need advice on a decision that has been made. They need BABY NAME suggestions!
If it is a girl: Sequoia (I know, a tall tree, but still, it has a nice ring to it.)
A boy: Popeye ( an underutilized boy's name)
a class act froma classy guy. his family should come first. another reason why he is everyones mvp........................except i would not rely on terry fro family advice, knowing his track record.....................
Wow. I didn't realize she was still in the hospital. It's a shame about the game, but work ALWAYS comes second.
STRESSED? C'mon Dustin, that should have been an easy decision. I love you as a ballplayer, but it's Kelli who's going through the stressful time right now. She's the real hero! God bless you both...or should I say all three of you!
Pedey. You know you did the right thing when 100% of these wierdo bloggers agree with you. When has that happened before? Best to you. I hope you have a boy and name him Pesky. Go Sox!!
Dustin and Kelli;
Careers come and go, but family is forever!!!! I hope your son or daughter becomes a major league player of your integrity and caliber. Good choice, a real "Fielders Choice!!!" God Bless.
* If it's the 15th, I be celebrating my 60th that day!
It doesn't matter how much $ you are paid, there are times when you need to be somewhere else. Kelli and the baby will probably be healthier if she isn't stressed out not only about her premature labor but her husband being away. It is good for the two of them, that they will have a couple of days together to decompress and relax, so that whenever the baby comes it will be healthier and easier.
Seem to recall Mr Goof-ball Ramiriz missing a couple of games and acting like a spoiled brat. There was no excuse or reason for that. The Pedroias have a reason here, and we wish them and the baby the best and safest start on life possible.
As one who is anything but a Red Sox fan, I have to take my hat off to Dustin.
He is doing the right thing. I have gained a whole new respect for him.
Thank you Dustin for not going to the All-star game. In twenty years I won't remember that you didn't play, in twenty years Kelli will remeber that you were with her.
This is the right decision for you and Kelli. Two of my three children were premature and they are fine. If the birth does happen at this point, the baby will be fine too! My thoughts are with you and Kelli. you will be an "All Star" dad!
Why do I care? Nobody watches the stupid All Star Game anyway
Hey Dustin I am a Yankee fan but i have the utmost respect for you. You made the right decision. We will be praying for you.
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