Red Sox reward 2B Pedroia with huge extension

Dec 3, 2008 - 9:52 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Diminutive Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia's Most Valuable Player season has earned him a big contract extension.

Pedroia and the Red Sox agreed to terms on a six-year extension Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Boston Globe reported the deal is worth $40.5 million. The pact will keep the 5-9 Pedroia with the Red Sox until 2014 with a team option for 2015.

The extension is the culmination of a banner year for the 25-year-old Pedroia, who was named American League MVP last month.

"It's something we're thrilled about," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein.

"It's definitely something we wanted as a club and something I think Dustin was looking to do as well. It came together as a product of a lot of hard work. He really embodies just about everything we look for in a Red Sox player. That makes this a great day for the organization."

A fan favorite, Pedroia became the first second baseman to win the AL MVP since 1959, when Nellie Fox of the Chicago White Sox was honored. Pedroia also won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.

"I'm extremely excited," Pedroia said. "I definitely wanted to be here a long time and help the Red Sox win. Today, it happened, and hopefully the next six years, we can win some championships.

"My first thought about the whole thing was, I play for the best team in the major leagues. Who wouldn't want to play for the Boston Red Sox? We're going to have an opportunity to win every year. The fans are the best. The city embraces their team, so why not? It fits."

Pedroia batted in each of the first four spots in Boston's injury-ravaged lineup and finished second in the AL with a .326 batting average. He tied for the major league lead with 213 hits and led the AL with 118 runs scored and 54 doubles.

In 2007, Pedroia hit .317 with eight home runs, 50 RBI and 86 runs scored, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors and helping the Red Sox to their second World Series title in four years.

Pedroia joined Philadelphia's Ryan Howard (2005-06) and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. (1982-83) as the only players to ever capture the league MVP one season after being named Rookie of the Year.

"Dustin's style of play and tremendous work ethic have quickly made him a fan favorite," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said in a statement.

"He plays with a kind of gritty determination that serves as an inspiration not only to his teammates but to Red Sox fans of all ages, and we believe Dustin will play a key role in bringing more championships to Fenway Park."