Nothing but Stitch

So Pedroia was pulled from the WBC last week for a strained oblique and sent back to the Fort for a medical evaluation. And since then, all of Red Sox Nation Worldwide has been on pins and needles waiting for word.

The last thing we need is to kick off the 2009 season with an injury-plagued Pedroia on the DL. After the 08 debacle with Beck, Lowell and Big Fatty we're hoping for a healthy roster to STAY healthy throughout.

But Pedroia is different altogether. He's our MVP/Gold Glove first-line lethal weapon for offense and defense. He's also the soul and drive of the team. The bubble gum and chewing tobacco that binds the clubhouse together. With his sharp-witted humor and a mouth that spits more trash than a waste management company, Pedroia is the Red Sox unofficial scrappy mascot. But he can back it up-- just look at his ASU/Red Sox stats and his endless list of awards and achievements. Cocky? Yes. Capable, skillful and talented? Absolutely. He puts the ASS in smart ass. He is audacious. He is fearless. He is relentless. He IS "One hundred seventy Pounds of Mouth."

We all at RSN heaved a collective sigh during his first game back on Friday against the Pirates.Just to see THAT swing. Because nothing says Pedroia like the Little Midget That Could swinging out of his shoes at evertyhing AND the kitchen sink. He went 1 for 2 with an RBI and swung the stick like a knife cutting through warm butter. Nice and easy. And just like that, He's back.

You know how I know?

On Team USA facing Team Japan and fellow team mate/starting pitcher, "Dice-K" Matsuzaka in the World Baseball Classic tonight:
"Daisuke is lucky I'm not there," quipped Pedroia. "I'd hit a line drive right off his back, and you guys can put that in your paper. I would hit him right in his back. He better hope the Red Sox don't trade him." (Ian Browne- MLB.com)

That's how I know ... Our boy's gonna be just fine.