Dustin Pedroia returns
Dustin Pedroia has seen the evolution of Xander Bogaerts first-hand. So when the subject of the shortstop's importance came up on the latest Bradfo Sho podcast, the former Red Sox second baseman didn't hesitate in letting his feelings be known.
"You could tell. I could always tell," said Pedroia when asked about Bogaerts' presence. "When Bogey got called up in San Francisco. I had to get him a couple of suits because his luggage didn’t arrive. Raquel (Ferriera) called me up and I said, ‘I got him. We’ll take care of him.’ The way he was appreciative. The way he acted when he walked in the clubhouse. Just the way we threw him in the fire. He was different, and he still is. Nothing bothers him. Always a good at-bat. Always under control. We knew once we threw him in there in the playoffs, he would be fine. He’s not emotional.
He’s just going to play the game. He’s just one of those guys you build a team around. I’m saying that talent-wise and attitude-wise. Just his presence. He’s a guy I saw walk in and I was like, ‘Alright, here is the next Red Sox for 15 years.’ I can tell. It is what it is."
Pedroia and Bogaerts played together from 2013-2019, during which time the Red Sox combined for a record of 647-524, winning two World Series.
Bogaerts, of course, can opt-out of his Red Sox contract after the 2022 season. He addresses the uncertainty when it comes to his time with the Sox while talking with the Bradfo Sho at the All-Star Game ...